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i>IHILISTS! 



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A TRAGEDY 



IN FIVE ACTS AND NINE TRANSFORnATIONS. 



BY M. A. CHROSTOWSKL 



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NIHILISTS 



A TRAGEDY 



N FIVE ACTS AND NINE TRANSFORMATIONS. 



BY M. A. CHROSTOWSKI.h\ e 



PRICE, 25 CENTS. 



Cleveland, Ohio: 

THE \VILL5AMS PUBLISHING AND ELECTRIC CO. 

1894. 









Copyright, 1894, 
Bv M. A. Chrostowski. 



/ 



THIS WORK, 
,K TOREK OF MV 

1 DEBXCATb 

TO 

MOST REVEREND 

,RCHB.SHOI>, ME.R ^^^ 

...rST PO..SH NATIONA. CH.RCH 



A WORD OF INTRODUCTION FROM THE PUBLISHERS. 



In issuing this work, so uncommon to the American public, and written 
by a man of a foreign birth, we feel the necessity' of a few words of explana- 
tion in regard to the author's life and works. We will extract some of the 
details as given by one of the leading dailies of this city: The Cleveland 
Tvcac/er, speaking of the life of the author of "Nihilists," says : " In 1443 the 
Chrostowsld family was given a title of nobility, estates and a coat of 
arms by King Ladistav IV. of Poland, in recognition of bravery displayed 
in one of the battles against the Turks. The coat of arms bears a sword 
and two crevScents. Chrostowski's great-grandfather was an officer under 
Kosciusko, and was killed in battle one httndred years ago. His grand; 
father was killed in the revolution of 1830. In the uprising of 1863 
two of his uficles were killed, and his father was banished to Siberia for life 
for the part he took in the revolt. He was pardoned at the end of six years. 
Eleven years ago Chrostowsld entered college at Moscow, and enlisted with 
the Nihilists, because they promised the Poles freedom. He was an active 
member. Many other young Polish students, who saw no better way to 
liberty, did likewise. Six months later, Chrostowsld was involved in an 
attempt to wreck the office of a bitter government newspaper. There was a 
fight in the street between a large force of students and the police. Many 
were killed and wounded. He was sent back home b}' the government, but 
he slipped away under the eyes of the police and came to this country. It 
should not be understood that Chrostowski is in any sense an advocate of 
dynamite, because nothing could be farther from the truth. He is fearless 
in advancing his ideas, but not by force except where the freedom of Poland 
is concerned. In 1886 he was the editor of a New York Polish paper, 
called '' Ogaisko'' {Fireside).* The paper, despite its growing popularity, 
was wrecked by too liberal religious views. \t that time, also, 
"Nihilists" was written by the author in Polish. The imitation boml^ 
shown in the play seemed to have too much realism, for after it was going 
to be produced for the second time on the amateur stage in New York, it 
was suppressed by the police at the instigation of the Russian consul, b}- 
express orders of Mayor Hewitt, in violation of the Constitution of the 
United States. Mr. Chrostowski then went to Chicago, where he estab- 
lished another paper, called Reform. The Polish priests declared that paper 
to be anarchistic, and made a systematic crusade against it, so that he lost 
many thousand dollars and had to give it up. During the Presidential 
campaign of 1892 he assisted in the election of Cleveland, by conducting 



1 

another paper established by himself, called Progress, in New York. He 
holds letters of praise signed by W. F. Harrity, W. F. Sheehan and Josiah 
Ouinc\^" We 'may add that after the campaign he sold out Progress and 
removed to this city, where he established a paper called Jutrzenka, or 
The Morning Star, about two and a half 3'ears ago, of which he is at the 
present time editor. He has devoted his time and energies to the advance- 
ment of liberal and progressive ideas among his countrymen." It was fM'. < 
A. Chrostowski, who, through the medium of his paper, as well as through 
personal propaganda, started among the Poles the so-called Inde- 
pendent Catholic movement. He has drawn its principles, laid down its 
foundations, and has contemi^lated the scheme of the general revolt of the 
Poles in this country against the Church of Rome. His efforts and his most 
earnest solicitation in behalf of progress and enlightenment, as well as true 
American citizenship, have borne fruits so w^ell that the first Polish Inde- 
pendent Catholic convention, held August 21 in this city, w^as represented 
by delegates from fourteen different congregations throughout the 
United States. Most Reverend Y. R. Vilatte, Archbishop of the Polish 
American Catholic Independent Church, was elected their supreme spiritual 
pontiff, and recognizing Mr. Chrostowski's invaluable services and devotion 
to the movement for religious independence, has elected him a "Knight of 
the Order of Crown of Thorns," " Chevalieux de laCourounc d'Epiaes," this 
being the highest mark of distinction at the disposal of the Independent 
Catholic chvirch. Besides "Nihilists," M. A. Chrostowski has written a few 
novels, which we expect to give to the American public at an early day. 
One of the novels, entitled 'Deceived' — founded on life in'' this country — 
bearing on the labor and other interesting questions, is now being trans- 
lated, and will be read}^ for publication soon. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



DRAMATIS PERSON>e. ♦ 



Czar — Alexander II j 

Louis Melikow— his Prime Minister jTheCzar'sCouncil, 

Katkow— Editor Moscow A^evVvS ( constituting the 

General Tkrentjew— an old Soldier ( so-called Hol\' 

Nicholas — Patriarch of the Russian Church | Synod. 

Zelechowski — Lord Chief Justice, ) 

LuDMiLA Terentjew— wife of (General Terentjew | 

Sophie Perowska 

Zelabow I 

Kroloef I 

R YSAKOW 

KiBAEZYTZ 

Sac HA 

Prince Alexander — the Czar's Chamberlain 

(trynie^mtzki — a Pole from Warsaw 



.NihiUst!' 



A (rcndaniic, suljsc(iucntly made C;iplain by the Czar. 



''■'^''^' ; Gend armcs 

Blochow j 

MlCHAILOW 1 ,, . ,, 

,r TTr /Russian feasants. 

Ills UlI'E I 

Starosta Russian Village Magistrate 

His Assistants 

Count Perowski Father to Sophia 

Xe.via .\n old nurse to Sophie Perowska 

Frolow The Exeeutit )ner 

Six Jurors, who pronounce the verdict upon Sophie Perowska and Rysakow. 

Two assistants to F'rolow, four Russian Priests, Prison Turnkey, ( icndarmes, 
Mounted Cossacks, Soldiers and People. 

Tile scenes are laid in aiid around St. Petersburg, capital of Russia. 



ACT I. 

Scene 1.— The stage represents a small house in St. Petersburg, on the outskirts 
of the citv, not far from the Winter Palace. The house stands on the front of the 
stage, its' front room open to spectators. It has two doors— one at the right side 
and one at the back. From the window at the left is visible the Winter Palace, 
brilliantly illuminated. The interior of the room shows tools for digging, dyna- 
mite, and" an electric batter}- in the corner. There is a small table and a poor couch. 
A 3'oung man of about thirty years, pale-faced and wearing whiskers, is seen dressed 
like a Russian workman, in red Russian shirt and high boots. 

He looks through the window towards the palace, and listens for a moment to 
the sounds of sweet music in the distance, and then shakes his hand with threatening 
gesture in that direction, and speaks. 

Kroloff— Ah ! There is music in the palace. His imperial highness, 
the Czar of Russia, holds a reception to-night. He entertains his friend and 
ally, the Prince of Bulgaria. Surrounded by the very flower of beauty, wit, 
wealth and powder, amidst all the luxury that man can enjoy, he dreams not 
that, powerful and (almost) omnipotent though he is. surrounded by his 
thousands of henchmen, death is so near him. Death, the invincible 
destroyer, which humbles kings and emperors to the dust, which equalizes 
all mankind and brings to the same level the most wretched peasant and 
the mighty Czar— he who while living is absolute master of a hundred 
millions. The life of this great despot is in wy power. By a simple move- 
ment of my hand— he dies. I can kill him— send him— he knows not, dreams 
not, to what doom. It rests with me to launch him into eternity. 

Here he laughs with fiendish delight, and again music is heard from afar. 

Soon the music will cease and in its place will be heard the wailing of 
despair, for many of the revellers are dancing near their own open graves. 
Soon laughter, joy and gaiety will give way to the silence of death. Russia, 
bah! all the world (far as the tidings of this act will reach) will be plunged 
into the greatest excitement. All this— and many things that are yet to 
come— will be done by the Nihilists. Oh, the happiness, the joy which I 
feel at this thought. They fill my heart, my soul, my mind. They repay 
me a hundred, a thousand fold for all my toil from hour to hour, from day 
to day, for all the dangers I have braved. Since this scheme has filled my 
brain, I have never known a moment of rest or peace. The danger of being 
detected, and, if detected, lost, ever pursues me. Countless unseen dangers 
surrounded me. I had to look with unflinching eyes, without the tremor 
of a muscle, into the faces of those whose slightest suspicion meant death to 
tne and ruin to my dearest hopes and plans. 

A year ago, when the Winter Palace was being repaired, I saw and 
grasped my opportunity. Pretending to be somewhat deaf and simple- 
minded, I applied for work as a carpenter. I was content to take less wages 
than any other, and thus the greedy ofl&cials were tempted, and I 
accomplished my desire. I got the position, and well I played my part. I 
worked diligently at the repairs of the palace— more diligently at my scheme. 
Step by step, in constant dread of detection, I planned and toiled, until at 
length, after nearly a year, all was coiiiplete. J had placed enough dyna. 



-10- 

mite in the palace vaults to blow up the great diniiig-hall. And when diiritig 
this gay festival the Czar will lead his guests in to the splendid repast, he 
will meet death. Death at this hand ! Ha ! ha ! ha ! The irony of fate. 
The mighty, the almost God-like Czar. Killed by a poor carpenter. Now^ 1 
but wait for the signal— for her, who is among the guests— the dearest and 
noblest of women— who will come to tell me that the moment has come ! 
But hark! Some one is coming I (Listens attentively.) No, it is not she. 
It is a man's step. It may be gendarmes ! Then I am betrayed, and all is 
lost, now when the triumph is at hand! But if they come for me I will 
sell my life dearlj^ ! 

* Gets out pistols and here he extinguishes the candle, leaving the room i" dark- 
ness. To the outside door come four persons, three men and one woman. Tiie men 
wear large cloaks and bi-oad-brinimed hats. The woman is in Russian peasant cos- 
tume. She is a young girl. They are Zelabow, Kysakow, Kibalzytz and Sophie 
Perowska. Zelabow knocks— thei-e is no answer. He knocks again, and says : 

Zelabow — Open, brother of Russia. We are friends. 
Kroloff (from within) — Whose friends ? 
Zelabow— Friends of the freedom w^hich is to come. 

(Kroloff hearing this opens the door without further hesitation.) 

Kroloff— All is in darkness here. Wait, I will light the candle. (Here 
he lights it.) This is but a poor place, friends. I cannot even ask you to 
be seated. 

Zelabow— Do not speak of that, brother. We are not hereto pay a 
visit of ceremony. We came on matters grave and important, pertaining to 
the future of Russia. You know us ? 

Kroloff — You are friends of the Russia that is to be. 

Zelabow — True, but that is not all. Look, brother ! 

Here he unfastens his cloak, opens his coat breast. On the red Russian shirt is 
seen the deaths-head in black. Each, not excepting the girl, follows his example. 
Kroloff bows almost to the earth. 

Kroloff (bowing low) — I see you are my masters. I see that you are 
members of our great Executive Committee, before which all Russia bows in 
respect and admiration, while the Czar, upon his throne, trembles with fear. 

Zelabow (with a gesture of his hand) — Enough ! We did not come to 
listen to 3'our eulogies. We came to learn what you have done — what you 
are doing — how the work progresses. Brother, tell ns all. Omit nothing. 
To-night the whole committee will be in session, and then, whether yoti 
succeed or not, we must lay this whole matter before it in all its details. 

Kroloff — Listen. I will go back a year, when, as a carpenter 

Zelabow (interrupting) — This we already know. To the point I Did 
you succeed ? Is the palace undermined ? 

Kroloff — Masters and brothers, yes. Under the great dining hall I 
placed dj'namite enough to kill all who are in it. A wire connects the 
explosive with this battery, which I have but to touch and all is accom- 
plished. 

(He points to the small electric battery in the corner of the room.) 

Zelabow— When shall this be done ? Has the time been appointed ? 

Kroloff (exultingly) — This ver^' night. For to-night the palace rings 
with festivit}', in honor of the Prince of Bulgaria. Late in the evening the 
Czar will lead the way to the supper-room. Precisely when he enters the 
deed shall be done. It is my wish tlifvt there shall be as few victims as pos- 



—11— 

sible. Therefore have I chosen such a moment, for I will not wilfulh' sacri- 
fice the innocent. 

Zelauow— Right, brother. No innocent blood shall be spilled if we can 
avoid it. We kill only those who are determined oppressoi'S — who refuse to 
listen to reason. The Czar, who, in his blindness, thinks himself omnipo- 
tent, shall learn that he is pow^erless in our hands — as impotent to save him- 
self from us as the lowl}-^ and the unfortunate before him. But proceed. 
How will 3'ou know v^'hen the vital moment has come ? 

Krolofk— From a lady of high degree, who m at present among the 
guests. She will gain this information from the imperial master of cere- 
monies, and then come here and tell me. 

Zelabow— Her name ? We must know all. 

Kroloff (hesitatingly) — It is the wife of General Terentjew. 

Zelabow — I know of her. She was but lately converted to our great 
cause. 

Kroloff — Yes. I convinced her of the good we are doing. I first taught 
her our ideas. 

Zelabow — It is sufficient. Sa}-^ no more. (He extends his hand and 
presses KrolofiTs.) This is all we wish to know. Brother, you have labored 
to a great and noble end. For this your name shall be revered, not alone in 
Russia, but by all the fi^eedom -loving people of the world. I salute you as 
an Apostle of Liberty. As the saviour of Russia, Ivan Kroloff, I salute you. 

Kkoloff (excited)— Brother, I thank you. My heart swells with jov 
and gratitude at your words. In all trials and difficulties the thought that 
I was doing my duty, as every Nihilist, every trvie son of Russia should, 
sustained me. I have striven to bring the boon of freedom to mv oppressed 
countrymen, and if I succeed, if the hateful tyrant is destroyed, I shall be 
paid a hundred fold. I ask — I hope for — no other reward. 

Zelabow — Brother, you have done all that a true patriot could. The 
result rests not with us. (Extends his hand again, saying:) I am proud to 
grasp this fearless hand. We never met before, brother, yet I am not 
unknown to j^ou. My name is Zelabow^ 

Kroloff (amazed) — Zelabow ! Sir, I am deeply honored (bowing). 

Zelabow — This is Rysakow (Kroloff and Rysakow shake hands), and 
this is Kibalzytz (Kroloff and Kibalzytz shake hands). 

Kroloff — Names as familiar as the Greek and Roman heroes of old. 
But (turning inquiringly to Sophie Perowska) who 

Sophie Perow^ska (coming nearer) — 7— am Sophie Perowska! 

Kroloff (astonished) — You ! Sophie Perowska ! You, so young and 
so beautiful I She at whose name the mightiest in the land tremble — who is 
called " the guiding spirit of Nihilism ! " 

Sophie Perowska — Ah! could I but inspire every Nihilist with the spirit 
which animates you! The courage, the devotion. Brother, Sophie 
Perowska salutes you. 

(She takes Kroloft"'s face in both hands and imprints a sisterly kiss upon his 
forehead.) 

Zelabow — I hear footsteps. Some one approaches. 

Kroloff — It must be she. (He listens and a peculiar knock is heard at 
the door.) Yes, it is Ludmila. 

Zelabow — She must not see us. Is there another exit ? 
Kroloff— Yes, from the other room. Come ! 

(The four go into the next room. Krolofi' with them. Another knock is heard, 
and a woman's voice, saying: 



-12- 



Open, Ivan. It is L,tidmila. 



Kroloff, returning, opens the door. Enter a lady, beautifully attired in evening 
costume, glittering with damonds and enveloped in a rich fur cloak, which she 
throws aside. Kroloff opens his arms. 

Kroloff — My darling ! 

LuDMiLA (falling into his embrace) — Ivan, dearest ! 

They kiss each other again and again in silence. 

Kroloff (still holding her) — Dear, I feared you would not come — that 
you could not slip away unnoticed. But you are here. Then all is well. 
Oh, how relieved I am — how happy! 

Kisses her again. 

* LuDMiLA (sighing) — I am here, indeed, but at what risk. Oh, the ordeal 
I have passed through for your sake. At the palace they watched my every 
movement. I fancied they knew — suspected. When I at last found out the 
hour 

Kroloff — Ah, yes — the hour! The moment! Tell me! 

LuDMiLA — At the hour of eleven. I learned it from the master of cere- 
monies. But after what intrigue and subterfuge. My husband was ever 
near me, as if he guessed. Oh, Ivan, not even my boundless love for you 
would induce me to do this again. 

Kroloff (looking at his large silver watch) — Then we have but half an 
hour. As a lover, too little to satisfy me — as a Nihilist, too long to wait. 
LuDMiLA (excitedly) — I tremble still. At any moment ni}^ hvtsband may 
discover my absence. I must go. 

Kroloff — What ? And leave me at this supreme moment ? Surely, 
darling, you do not mean to leave me, now that our efforts are about to be 
crowned with success. Go ? Why should you ? Have you ceased to love me? 

LuDMiLA (sadl}^) — Alas, I love you only too well. For you I have broken 
my allegiance to the husband who loves me. For 3'ou I have forsaken all 
and everything. 

Kroloff — Then why not sta}'^ with me foi-ever ? Why should we part ? 
I am now a member of our National Executive Committee. After this 
attempt is made, whether successful or not, it will shield us from all harm. 
Under its protection we shall be safe. We can stay here, if we like, or — 
giving up all active part in the great movement — go to some foreign clime 
and be happy there together. 

LuDMiLA — But mj' husband. He loves me so dearly. It will break his 
heart. 

Kroloff (impatiently^) — Women are all alike. You do not scruple to 
wrong your husband without his knowledge, and yet 

LuDMiLA (interrtipting) — Ivan, you are cruel. 

Kroloff — Forgive me. The mere mention of your husband's name 
angers me. Dearest, you do not know him. You say he loves you. Per- 
haps [scornfully] ! But he loves the Czar's favor more. And if he finds that 
you but sympathize with us, he w4ll be the first to deliver you to the ven- 
geance of those who hate and fear us, so that, forsooth, no suspicion may 
attach to him. I repeat, you do not know as I do the length to which these 
high officials will go to win imperial recognition. For this they will do 
anything, sacrifice anything— wife, children — their nearest and dearest. 

LuDMiLA — But what of my child — my little daughter ? Shall I sacrifice 
her, too ? No. I cannot ! I cannot ! 



-13- 

Kroloff— There is no need. Is she with your husband ? 

LuDMiLA — Yes. 

Kroloff— You shall have her. With the help of the Ecxcutive Commit- 
tee, we will steal her. He cannot hide her from us. Sooner or later we shall 
gain possession of her. Are you satisfied now ? 

LuDMiLA— I am. 

Kroloff — And you will be mine? Mine forever? 

LUDMILA— I will. 

Kroloff takes her in his arms and kisses and caresses her. Stiddcnlv he cries, 
excitedly : 

Kroloff— My God! I almost forgot the flight of time. What if it is 
too late ! For how many innocent lives shall I be held accountable ? 

Looks hurriedly at his watch. 

Kroloff — It lacks three minutes. All is saved. 

Looks again at his time, then turns to Ludmila. 

Kroloff — Love, kiss me once again. 'Tis but a minute more. 

Ludmila (kissing him tenderly, wdiile music plays softly)— Oh, I shiver 
with dread and horror. Ivan, must j^ou— must this awful deed be done ? 

Kroloff — Courage, dearest one. This must be. There is no alterna- 
tive. Some one must strike a decisive blow for the benefit of our unhappv 
people. Let mine be the hand ! 

He walks toward the electric battery, while Ludmila kneels in prayer. 
CURTALV FALLvS. 



Scene 2.— The stage represents the interior of the Winter Palace. It is divided 
itito two unequal parts. The larger part represents the dining hall, with table laid 
and eleganth^ decorated. The other part Is an ante-room. Near the door, connect- 
ing these two rooms, stand a number of the court attaches and the master of cere- 
monies, who, as the curtain rises, throws open the door leading to the dining hall. 
Enter (in the ante-room) Czar Alexander II. in Russian military uniform, with a 
wide blue ribbon across his left shoulder, a lady in court attire ujion his arm. 
Following him the Prince of Bulgaria, in Bulgai-ian national costume, with a ladv 
on his arm. Next, Count Louis Melikow and a lady, and several Russian oflicials of 
high rank with ladies. The Czar advances to the dining hall. The master of cere- 
monies and the attaches stand with bowed heads as the procession passes. Just as 
the Czar is on the point of entering the dining hall, a cry is heard behind the curtain. 
The CV.ar halts and all the others do the same. 

Czar [looking back] — What noise was that ? 
Prince of Bulgaria— I thought I heard a crv. 

Enter hastily Count Terentjew, Ludmila's husband, in the uniform of a Russian 
general. 

Count Terentjew [in great excitement]— Your Imperial Highness ! 
Czar [severely]— Count, why do you thus disturb us ? 



—14— 

Count Terentje.w [kneeling before the Czar]— Yoitr Imperial Highness, 
i suspect something wrong. I do not know what it is that I fear, but I 
tremble for your majesty's safet}'. My wife — 1 disown her from this 
moment — for some time has acted strangely. An hour ago she left the 
palace. When I found she was not among the guests I sought for her every- 
where — in vain. But in the orangery I stumbled upon a wire concealed 
among the bushes very skilfully. I followed it. Your majesty, it led into 
the palace vaults. 

Here some scream from fright. The Czar makes a gesture as if to speak. Sud- 
denly the part where the dining hall is grows dark, and a terrible explosion is heard. 
All are thrown violently to the earth. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT II. 

The stage represents the interior of a Russian peasant's hut. Near the middle 
of the stage sits a woman, in peasant dress, on a bench, with a cradle beside her 
which she rocks gentW, while she sings some cradle song. [Here follows song.] 
When the song is finished she sa^'s, with hands clasped : 

Almighty God, have mercy vipon this poor child ! Oh God, soften the 
heart of our starosta [magistrate], so that he will not leave us destitute ! 

Then, turning to the cradle, she saj^s : 

Oh, my little one— my darling ! Surely, the good God will hearken to- 
prayers as heartfelt and sincere as mine. Oh, I pi-ay that vou may never 
suffer as your parents do. 

Enter Michailow, her husband, dressed in the garb of a Russian peasant. 

MiCHAiLOW— Not suffer ? He will suffer still more— perhaps die of 
starvation. 

Wife— God is full of boundless mercy. He will not permit that. 

Michailow [ironicall}', seating himself on a keg or bai-rel]— God's 
mercy ! Yes, I have heard of this mercy. The priest has spoken of it- 
others, too — and now you. But I never j'et have seen it, or experienced it, 
myself. 

Wife— Stop this blasphemy, husband, and tell me what the starosta 
said. 

Michailow— Just what we might have expected. In answer to my 
earnest petitions for mercj', he ordered me out of the house. When I fell 
down on my knees before him he cried, "This is mutiny, this is revolt 
against authoi-ity," and threatened to have me whipped by the Cossacks for 
disobedience to his commands. In despair I left. I was only a short dis- 
tance from the house when his clerk came to me and said— said — no, I will 
not repeat it. 

Wife— What did he say ? 

Michailow— He spoke of you. Scoundrel ! I wish the earth had swal- 
lowed hira before he uttered his villainous advice. 

Wife— But what was it ? Tell me Peter. 

Michailow— I will not repeat that rascal's words. 

Wife— You say he spoke of me, and yet you will not tell me. Am I no 
longer dear to you ? 



-15- 

MiCHAiLOW [sarcastically] — We are starving— we are destitute — and j^et 
this woman is ready to talk of love. Well, the clerk en me to me, under 
pretense of friendship. He said he wished to help me. He advised me to 
send jou to the starosta. "The starosta,"' said he, "has a very tender 
heai't. He cannot withstand the tears of a woman. If you will send your 
wife to him," continued the rascal, " no doubt the result will be different." 

Wife— What did you answer to that, Peter? 

MiCHAiLow— Answer ! I felt so much like striking him down that I 
turned awa}^ quickly, because T could not trust myself. 

Wife— But maybe he is right. I am sure he is. Were not the Maksims 
as badly off as we? Vet whenever the wife goes to the starosta he helps 
them. He even pays the taxes, which so oppress us now. 

MiCHAiLOw — Silence, woman ! Don't try to make a fool of me, or 

Wife— You are a fool. If 3'ou were not, there might be some hope forus. 

MiCHAiLOW [with a gesture of his clenched fist]— Not another word, or 
I will strike you. 

Wife— Strike me, if you wili, but give me and my child food to eat and 
decent clothes to wear. I wish sometimes to go to church — to do as others 
do. When Maksim's wife stands in the doorwaj-, every neighbor bows to 
her. No one looks at me, unless it is with a sneer. People shun me like a 
criminal. I am sick of this. I will bear it no longer. If it is a crime to go 
to the starosta, I tell you, husband, that I am readj^ to commit any crime 
to put an end to this misery. 

MiCHAiLOW— Shameless woman. Do I not toil like a slave from morn- 
ing till night? Do I not deny myself everything that the poorest have to 
satisfy you ? And yet you dare utter such words to my face ! 

Wife— Peter, your hard work will not help us. We cannot pay the 
taxes. Unless we can do something, the starosta will take all we have — 
even the clothes we wear. 

MiCHAiLOW — If it comes to this— if. despite my entreaties, the starosta 
wall rob us of everything— then 

Speaking slowly and with determination. 

Wife— Then— what ? 

MiCHAiLOW— I will strangle the starosta with m^^ own hands, and they 
ma}' do what the}' like with us. 

Wife [laughing wildly] — Yes, that is how you will help me. Fool — 
fool ! Tliey will send you to Siberia, and what will become of me? Why 
do you forbid me to go to the starosta? Why? 

MiCHAiLOW [with a sneer] — You do not know? Well, I will tell you. 
Because I do not want /n^ wife to sell herself as the Maksim woman did. 
Because I would mther see 3'ou dead than degraded. 

Wife — Then kill me now— here, on this spot — for I will live this life no 
longer. If you have nothing better to offer than this foolish talk, I tell you 
I will go to the starosta in spite of 3'ou, and will beg him to help us. 

Michailow advances toward her threateninglj-. A knock is heard. 

MiCHAiLOW [calling]— Who is there ? 

No answer. Another knock. 

Wife — Open the door. Perhaps it is a messenger from the starosta. 

Michailow opens the door. Enter Ludmila, attired as before, except that her 
dress is torn. .As she enters she falls on her kuees before Michailow, with her hands 
clasped. 



-16- 

LuDMiLA — Man, you are a Christian— 3'ou have a heart— better, kinder, 
perhaps, than those far above yon. In the name of God and his holy 
mother, I entreat you to save me ! 

MiCHAiLow [taking off his hat]— My lady, arise. I am a poor peasant. 
You must not kneel to me. It is a sin.. It is only God or a Czar before whom 
we kneel. Rise, madam, and tell me what you would have me do. 

He assists her to rise, and seats her on the bench. 

LuDMiLA [shuddering] — Alas, good people, an awful fate is in store for 
me. You are poor, but you can sympathize with me, and help me, if you 
will, perhaps better than any other. 

MiCHAiLOW AND WiFE [simultaneously]— What can we do ? 

LuDMiLA — Save me from the gendarmes, who are pursuing me. 

MiCHAiLow AND WiFE [both together, frightened]— Gendarmes ! ! ! 

LuDMiLA — Yes, yes. 1 am a criminal in the eves of the law. I am a 
Nihilist. 

MiCHAiLOw AND WiFE [together again]— A Nihilist ! 

They retreat in horror. 

LuDMiLA [rising from her bench] — Why are you so frightened at the 
word "Nihilist? " Do you not know that it is for you— for such as you— 
that they suffer and die? That vou may be free, contented and happy. 

MicHAiLOw — [with slow deliberation] — I have heard this, good lady, 
but I cannot beheve it. No one cares for the poor— all are against us. 
Even God does not heed our prayers. Then how can there exist any one 
who will fight — die, as you say — for wretched, downtrodden peasants like 
us. No, it is too good to be true. 

LuDMiL.^. — And yet it is true. Many of the Nihilists are from rich and 
noble families. They have everything that delights the human heart, and 
yet they abandon all, and often meet an awful death upon the scaffold 
to better your condition. Why? They cannot bear to see your sufferings, 
your poverty, your moral degradation, your abject slavery, to hear your 
cries for bread. Yes, it is for the sake of the Russian peasant that they 
gladly lay down their lives. [She points to the cradle.] Will not every 
noble mind revolt at the idea that this child, from the cradle to the grave, is 
destined to poverty, to misery, for toil which knows neither rest nor 
respite? Poor creature! Poor innocent babe! Better for you had 3'ou 
never been born. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife [beginning to cry]— Ah. dear lady, you are right. 
We are destitute — on the verge of starvation. Because we cannot pay our 
taxes, at any moment the starosta may come to seize our few poor 
belongings. 

LuDMiLA— Whose fault is this — who is to blame, that your taxes are so 
heavy that you cannot pay them? He whom for all his misdeeds the 
Nihilists will kill— no other than the Czar! 

MicHAiLow AND WiFE [together] -God forbid ! Lady, what is this you 
say ? This is blasphemy I 

They cross themselves in the Russian fashion. 

MiCHAiLOw-.God, himself, is not better or kinder than the Czar. Jf he 
but knew our ctmdition, our misfortune, he would make us all happy. 

LuDMlLA— The time will come when you will know better. I, too, once 

thought as you do. Until I met Oh ! [abruptly], now I suffer. [Here 

she lays her hand upon her heart.] JJe i? dead-^m^ love, my darling ! Our 



-17- 

dream of love is over. So cruelly, so suddenly ended. I wonder if the 
tj'rant was torn to pieces. Oh, I shall kill him with my own hands. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife — Peter, I think she is not quite right in her mind. 

MiCHAii.ow— She does act strangely. 

LuDMiLA [facing them suddenly] — You mistake me, good people. I am 
not mad— I suffer, Oh, how I suffer. Words cannot express it. But we are 
losing precious time. Will 3'ou hide me ? The gendarmes are on my track. 

MiCHAiLOW— What have you done? 

LuDMiivA — Ask no questions, but answer me. If you will not save me 
I will go. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife— Don't be a brute, Peter! My lady, we will not ask 
what \^ou have done. We know that you are in distress, so we will save 
YOU. We will hide 3'ou. 

MiCHAiLOW — But where? [Ponders a moment, then suddenly.] I know 
a place. Come. 

Noise outside and a voice says: 

Surround the house! Forward — march ! Two of you come with me. 

A knock is heard. Michailow takes Ludmila bj^ the hand and hurries her in the 
opposite direction. As she goes she drops her glove. 

Voice [calling loudly]— Open, in the name of the Czar! 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife— One moment, Mr. Officer. [Looks after her hus- 
band.] Peter, where are you? Come, open the door for the officers of the 
Czar. 

MiCH.^iLOW [behind the scene] — I am coming. 

Voice— Open the door, 3'ou Moscovite witch, or I will smash it. 

Suits the action to the word and the door falls with a crash. Three gendarmes 
— Ivanow, Sukin and Blochow— march in in miUtary style. Ivanow is dressed better 
than the others, and decorated with crosses. 

IvANOW [angrily] — You move like snales or turtles. Instead of sur- 
rounding that den with hghtning rapidity and taking the occupants 
prisoners, you killed the man and allowed the woman to escape! What will 
the chief of police sa}^ when he hears this? You will curse the day you were 
born. 

Sukin— We could not help it, your worship. The man fought like a 
tiger. We either had to kill him or he us. As it was, two of our comrades 
were seriously wounded and one killed. In the struggle some one escaped. 

Ivanow — The woman we are now looking for. She is General Terent- 
Jew's wife, and if we can capture her our reward is sure. 

Blochow — If only your worship had been with us all would have been 
well, for then I know we would have taken the man and woman alive. 

Ivanow [pleased wath the flattery]— For once you talk sense, v^ou idiot. 
Yes, had I been there, there would have been no such blunder, But I was 
watching the palace, and before I could reach the spot the fight was over. 

Blochow— We were sound asleep, when the cr^- "Nihilists!" woke us. 
I was on my feet in an instant. But Sukin was so dazed, nothing but a 
good punch in the ribs would rouse him. He was stupidity itself. 

Ivanow— Shut up! I've had enough of your babble. You are both 
fools. 

He turns toward the wife, who has stood quietly near the cradle, and chucking 
her under the.chin, says: 



—18— 

I sa}', my beauty, did any passer-by stop into your house this morning? 

MiCHAELOW [entering] — Not a living soul, your honor. 

IvANow [fiercely]— You lie, you cursed knave. I m3^self saw a woman 
enter this rascallj' hole. Ah! You look stunned, and your wife turns 
pale. Wait, you villain ! I'll teach you how to answer the Czar's servant ! 
Boys, search ever nook and corner of this miserable den. 

Thev begin the search, and Ivanow finds the glove. 

Ha! What is this? Where do you get such things as this ? I've got 
3^ou now. Bind him, men! 

Sukm and Blochow quickly bind his (Michailow's) hands behind him with cord, 
which they take from their pockets. 

Ivanow [examining the glove] — H'm ! Yes, I see. Embroidered — per- 
fumed! Her's, of course. [He turns to the trembling woman.] Hag — 
witch — tell us the whole truth this instant, or we will kill your husband 
before j^our eyes. 

MiCHAiLOW^'s Wife [falling on her knees] — Oh, have mercv! Mercy, 
your honor! I — poor w^oman — I know nothing — nothing at all ! 

IvANOW [drawing his sword and pointing it at Michailow's breast] — I 
know a way to open your mouth. Speak, or when I count three I'll drive 
this through his heart. One 

Michailow's Wife — Mercy, your honor! Have pitv. Oh, God! 
What shall I do? 

MicHAiLow [tenderly] — Do not plead for me, dear wife. Let them kill 
me. It will only end the torture sooner. Better be dead than in' their 
clutches. 

Ivanow — Dog of a peasant! This is how you respect the faithful 
servants of the Czar, is it ? Two ! 

Here Ludmila enters, unnoticed by any one, and steps into their midst. 

LuDMiLA — Release this man. He is innocent. I am she whom you seek. 
Take me. 

All are silent for a moment. Ivanow recovers first, and cries angi-ily to the 
gendarmes: 

IvANOW — Fools, will 3'ou stand gaping forever? Bind her, and let's 
have an end of this. Ha ! [smacking his lips] she will prove rare sport for 
Frolow. [Aside] Whew! But she is a beauty ! I could look at her till my 
eyes would bu^ge out. 

Here Ivanow whistles and four more gendarmes, dressed similarly to Sukin and 
Blochow, enter. 

IvANOW— Sukin! Blochow! 

Both [saluting]— We are at your worship's service. 

IvANow— You and the others take the prisoners to the station. Guard 
them well, if you value your own lives. There thej'- v.'ill await our com- 
mander's orders. I will report to him immediately. Surround the 
prisoners. 

The gendarmes obej^ this order in military fashion. 

Ivanow [in a loud commanding tone]— All ready I Forward 1 March 



-19— 

The six gendarmes march off the prisoners. Michailow's wite again falls on her 
knees to Ivanow, and extends her hands beseechingly. 

Michailow's Wife — Oh, if you are a man, remember that you had a 
mother and have pity ! 

Ivanow [sheathing his sword] — Vou ask what I am ? I am a gen- 
darme — a servant of the Czar. A Russian gendarme, my good woman, 
knows nothing, feels nothing, loves nothing — but his duty ! 

Michailow's Wifk [rising and wringing her hands in a paroxysm of 
despair] — Oh, God! How cruel, how merciless! They have taken my 
husband, my onl}' support! Oh, what shall I do? 

Ivanow [brutally] — Oh, come off. A handsome woman like you can 
find a dozen husbands. And women like a change as well as men. Come, 
j-^ou ought to thank me. 

He tries to kiss her, but she repulses him. 

MiCHAiLGW^'s Wife — Do all the Czar's servants act like this ? 

Ivanow [laughing] — Oh, we are gay dogs, we are, and like pretty 
women, I can tell you. You know our Russian proverb — " All that is done 
in secret is good." As a true patriot, I always live up to it. If only I had 
time, I would show you how Ivanow loves and appreciates bright eyes and 
rosy cheeks. Military dut^ before pleasure, however. I must go, but when 
you want to see me come to our station, on Kazan street, and ask for 
Sergeant Ivanow. I have a nice little room there, where no one will disturb 
us. Now, before w^e part 

He seizes her suddenly, about the waist and, despite her struggle, kisses her 
repeatedly, then hurries away. She goes to the cradle and kneels beside it. Music 
plays soft]}'. 

Michailow's Wife — Oh, God, why art thou unmindful of our suffer- 
ings? Why hast thou forsaken me in mj' sore need ? I, who in all my life 
never w^ronged one! I am alone, penniless and friendless. In all the world 
there's none to help me. But stay ! That cannot be ! Surely, some one will 
befriend me. The priest? [Thinks a moment.] When our child was born 
did he not refuse to baptise it, unless we could pay him two rubles? To 
satisfy his demands we were obliged to sell our sheep. No, he will not 
assist me. The landlord? Alas! no. A year ago, when Peter fell from 
sunstroke in his fields, and for some days could not work, he refused to take 
him back. He said his laborers nnist be able to endure both heat and cold. 
So in all the wide world I have not a single friend. Yes^there is — there is — 
some one — the starosta. He is good and kind. Does he not always have a 
pleasant word and bright smiie for me? Often he has stopped to talk to 
me. He is my onl}'^ hope. I will go to him. 

She rises quickly and gets a red kerchief which she puts on her head, then looks 
into the cradle. 

He sleeps, my baby sleeps. Unconscious of our sufferings, he dreams 
the hours away. By and by — his childhood gone — he will wake to the 
misery of his existence. For as some are born to joy and happiness, so you, 
ni}' poor child, are born to wretchedness and woe. 

She goes to the door and looks out. 

Ah, there, come the starosta and his clerk toward our poor hovel. No 
need for me to go, for in a minute they will be here. 



-20- 

She takes off the kerchief, seats herself near the cradle, and begins to sing the 
song she sang before. Music softly accompanying her. While she sings, starosta 
and clerk enter. Both are dressed like Russian peasants, except that the starosta 
has a medal hanging to a heavy chain, and carries a staif similar to a bishop's 
crozier. The clerk has a large book in one hand and pen and ink in the other. As the 
woman sings the3' listen, then look about them, as if to make a calculation of the 
value of the furniture, the clerk making comical grimaces and gestures of disgust as 
he looks at this and that. 

Starosta [trying to draw the woman's attention] — Hem! Ah ! 

Assistant coughs, too. She appears absorbed with her song, and does not stir. 

Starosta— Ahem ! 

Knocks on the floor with his staff. The woman stops singing suddenly [music 
ceases] and, perceiving them, rises. 

Starosta [with apparent sj'mpathy] — My poor woman, I have heard 
of yonr bereavement and misfortune. From my residence I saw^ your hus- 
band, a prisoner among the gendarmes, taken away to the city. Sergeant 
Ivanow told me the rest. As you see, I came to you at once. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife [earnestly] — But, your worship, my husband is 
innocent. I will explain 

Starosta [interrupting] — Say no more, my good soul. I know — I 
understand it all. I believe your husband to be innocent. 

Clerk [shaking his head, gravely] — So do I. 

Starosta — But — he is guilty in the eyes of the law. 

Clerk — I think so, too. 

Starosta [impressively] — .\ud when once a man becomes a criminal in 
the eyes of tlie law — no matter how innocent he maybe — there is no hope for 
him. He is lost forever to his famil}'^ and to the world. 

Clerk — True — true — he is lost forever. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife [wildly]— Lost forever! Oh, don't say that! It 
sounds like a death knell to me. Your honor, you could save my husband. 
You have power — influence. And if you sa}' that he is innocent, they will 
believe you. 

Starosta [with great dignity] — Though I have been honored by this 
mark of the Czar's confidence [pointing to the medal], yet it is doubtful 
if my voice will have any effect in the high government circles at St. 
Petersburg. 

Clerk— Yes, it is doubtful— doubtful. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife— Save him! Oh, save my husband, and take all we 
have. Take ray very life! 

Starosta converses apart with his assistant, and then the latter opens his book 
with alacl■it3^ 

Clerk [to starosta] — One word. If she does what we ask— If she signs 
this deed— she will have nothing left. Then how can she live? What will 
become of her? 

Starosta— Oh, I need some one to take care of my house, for mj^ old 
woman is getting too weak. She can be my housekeeper. 

Clerk [with a sly wink] — Some young and good-looking woman, eh ? 

Starosta— No levitj^, sir, no levity. I am prompted by goodness of 
heart. She and her child will be well cared for with me. 

Clerk [aside]— The hypocrite! The old sinner! [Aloud] What am I 
to get out of this deal? Am I to be left in the lurch? I, who always 
serve you so faithfully ! 



-21- 

Starosta — Let me see. You always fancied my black colt ? 
Clerk — With the white mark on its foot— Oh, yes. 
Starosta — Well! Keep mum — and it is yours. 
Clerk [with an expressive gesture]— I am silent as the grave. 

He begins to write rapidly. 

Starosta [turning to the w^oman, who stands motionless, apparently 
in deep thought] — Well, my go(>d woman, I have considered the matter and 
1 think — I am not sure — but I think I can find some way to save your 
husband. 

MiCHAiLow's Wife [fervently] — Thank God! 

Starosta [severely] — But. of course, you must obey all my instructions. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife— Oh, I will do anything you tell me. 

Starosta — My clerk has just finished the petition for the liberation of 
your husband, setting forth that he is innocent, and pleading for his release. 
You will sign this petition and it will be forwarded to his majesty, the Czar 
of Russia. 

At mention of the Czar, Starosta and clerk uncover their heads and devoutly 
cross themselves. 

MiCHAiLOw's Wife — But, your honor, how can I sign ? I was never 
taught to read or write. 

Starosta — Oh, we can manage that. Instead of writing your name you 
will make your mark. 

Clerk — Come, I will show you how. 

She goes to hifn, and with his assistance raakes'the necessary mark. 

Clerk — Here, take the pen, so. Now bend your arm ; curve the fingers 
this way. There, that will do. 

Starosta — Your name is Nastia ? 

MiCHAiLow's Wife— Yes. 

Starosta — Well, then Nastia, you are now under my protection. Take 
3'our child and come with me. I will take care of you until your husband 
returns. 

Michailow'swife falls on her knees and kisses the hem of his garment, with tears 
of gratitude. 

MiCHAiLow's Wife — Oh, I can never thank you enough ! How kind, 
how good you are! 

Clerk [ironically, taking up book and pen] — Yes I Rather too good! 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT HI. 

SCKXE I. — The stage reijresents the council chamber of the palace, in which the 
Czar and "saintly synod" convene. The Czar himself is the head of this so-called 
"saintly synod," whose members are chosen by him, and whose meetings are held 
in secret, the transactions known to none but themselves. Their will is law^, and 
from their decision there is no appeal. In this instance the S3'nod meets to devise 
some means of suppressing the rapidly growing Nihilistic movement. The large 
appropriately decorated apartment has a long table in the center, said table 



-22- 

covered with green cloth and littered with a profusion of papers, books, inkstand, 
etc. The two doors of the apartment are guarded by four imperial guardsmen [and 
their officer], in their picturesque uniform, one at each side of the door. At the end, 
or head, of the table is placed a sort of throne for the Czar, surmounted b^' the 
Russian eagle. About the table are seated Count Louis Melikow, Katkow, Zele- 
chowski. General Terentjew, and Nicholas, patriarch of the Greek Catholic church, 
who comprise the saintly synod. Melikow and Terentjew are in the uniform of 
Russian generals. Melikow (being lord chancellor, or prime minister) is covered 
with orders. Katkow, who holds a package of papers, and Zelechowski are both in 
civilian evening dress, decorated with orders. Patriarch Nicholas wears the robes 
of his priestly office. 

Melikow — My lords, by order of his majesty the Czar, Alexander II., 
we, the members of the holy synod, are assembled to deliberate upon a most 
momentous question. The subject for our consideration to-night is, I 
think, well known to you all. 

Katkow — Yes, your excellency, we all — my honorable colleagues and 
myself — know that the question that has brought us together to-night in 
solemn conclave is the rapid growth of that evil which is becoming a menace 
to our safety — Nihilism. 

Meijkow — Right. We must consider by what means we can most 
effectually check this movement, which, as my esteemed friend, Katkow, 
says, threatens to undermine the security of the empire. Some method 
must be devised for the suppression of these people, who grow daily more 
daring in their efforts to overthrow this the most powerful government in 
the world, that they may carry out their own foolish chimerical ideas. 

Katkow — History teaches us that such fanatics, imbued with absurd, 
extravagant ideas, are most dangerous to the well-being of the govern- 
ment. The Utopia of their dreams is to them something grand and holy, 
and they gladl}' sacrifice their lives in its interest. These fanatics — these 
schemers — must be summarily dealt with. They require laws Draconian in 
their severity. 

Zelechowski — The laws depend upon those who make them. We are 
but their executors. 

Melikow — We shall make a special law for the Nihilists. I hope — and 
in this I am sure, ray lords, you will all agree with me— that this law may 
be in accordance with the civilization of the nineteenth century. 

Katkow — Pardon me, yotir excellenc}'. I cannot agree with you. So 
long as it is within the pale of Russian ideas of civilization, we need consider 
nothing else. I care not a straw what the rest of Europe may think of our 
ideas, so long as they serve our purpose. 

Melikow— Well, well, Mr. Editor, we need not argue further. After all, 
it rests entirely with our august sovereign, the Czar, who will be here pres- 
ently in person. 

Terentjew [rising] — He is here now. 

Music plays the Russian national air. All arise. The guards at the doors 
salute in military fashion with their swords. Enter Prince Alexander, in the uniform 
of the hussars, following him five Cossacks in their national attire. The Cossacks 
are four soldiers with their officer. Enter Czar Alexander II., in the uniform of a 
Russian general, the only mark of distinction being a broad blue ribbon across the 
breast. Following the Czar are four more Cossacks. The Czar seats himself upon 
the throne, while the eight Cossacks and their officer relieve the previous guard. 
The imperial guardsmen, after saluting the new comers, march off in military st3'le, 
and the Cossacks, constantlj'^ saluting, take their places. This is done because, as 
the Czar is superior to all, so the guards who accompany him take piecedence of all 
others. Besides the eight Cossacks and their officer, the Prince Alexander remains 
on the stage. He stations himself beside the Czar, on the side nearest to the door, 
as if to stand between hiin and all harm. 



-23- 

CzAR [glancing about the assembly of counsellors, who bow low, and 
raising his hand, says :] — Let the music cease. 

Prince Alexander goes out and instantly the music ceases. In a moment he 
returns and takes up his former position. 

Czar — So all the members of our holy synod are present. [He pauses 
and looks around.] Melikow, we will hear you first. 

Melikow — As your majest}^ was pleased to command, we, your hum- 
ble servants, are assembled to consider by what means we can best crush 
those most bitter, most insidious foes to the peace of our beloved country. 

Czar— Such is our wish. With the last dastardly attempt upon our life, 
we feel that the crimes of these people have reached their climax. Some- 
thing must be done, and that quickly. When the wife of one of our oldest, 
most trusted generals is a party to so atrocious a plot [as he says this he 
looks at Tei-entjew. and all the others likewise], we begin to think that the 
Czar of Russia has not a single place of safety in the land which is his by 
divine right, as well as by the will of his people. 

Terentjew [advancing and kneeling before the Czar] — Most gracious 
sovereign and master! Your words pierce me like sword thrusts. Yet I 
know that I deserve your displeasure lor having such a wife. 

Czar — Rise, general. It is no fault of yours that you have such a wife. 
We recollect, too, that to you we owe our life. [Turns to the others.] We 
know you all serve us with wisdom, zeal and devotion, and, therefore, you 
have been called together to save, to strengthen the empire, and to remove 
the perpetual dangers which surround its ruler. One of you whom I hold to 
be true as steel to our best interests, one whom you all respect — Katkow, 
the editor of the Moscow News [they all bow to Katkow, who acknowl- 
edges the salute] — immediately after the explosion in the Winter Palace, 
urged the necessity of prompt action. He has drawn up an ukase, by which 
all prisoners charged with Nihilism, be their crime great or small, be put to 
death. 

Katkow here selects a paper from the bundle he holds, and lays it before the 
Czar. 

It provides, further, that all Nihilists be disposed of secretly in the 
prisons where they are confined, none but the execittioner and prison officials 
being present. First, however, every effort shall be made to extort from 
them all that they can tell of the plans of their associates. If persuasion, if 
threats, if tempting promises will not avail, then tortures will be resorted 
to. Tortures like those of the middle ages — at the bare mention of which 
the flesh creeps. Thits shall they be made to confess all that they know of 
their miserable confederates and their dastardly schemes. Is that what the 
ukase proposes, Katkow ? 

Katkow — Yes. Thus would I insure your majest3''s safety and comfort, 
to preserve which I would gladly sacrifice my last drop of blood. 

Czar — We know and value your devotion, Katkow. But if we endorse 
this edict, if it becomes known will it not provoke the general dissatis- 
faction of the masses ? 

Katkow — Since when, your highness, has it become the custom for a 
Czar of Russia to pa}' attention to the wishes of the rabble? If a spark 
of rebellious fire shows itself, have we not prisons enough ? scaffolds 
enough ? Have we not means to crush it out of existence ? Your majesty, 
we must act! Act at once, and decisively. Act as the surgeon would, who 
does not hesitate to cut off a diseased member of the body. One part of the 



—24— 

body of the nation is diseased— blood-poisoned. Let it be cut off, or the 
whole will perish ! 

Czar— Yes, Katko w, that is logical. But— we have had too much blood- 
shed, already. At times I am oppressed with the thought that, like "Ivan 
the Terrible," I am wading knee deep in human blood. My sleep is 
disturbed by horrible dreams. I see mangled corpses pointing at me with 
accusing finger. I am possessed at times by an indescribable, unreasoning 
fear and dread. At such times Hfe is well nigh unbearable— an earthly hell. 
To you, the holy synod, who rule supreme, I apply for advice, for reHef If 
you cannot help me, what shall I do ? To whom' shall I apply ? You have 
heard Katkow's proposition. What have you to say? Speak, Melikow, 
you are prime minister, let us hear your opinion of Katkow's plan. 

Melikow— My imperial lord and master. Being commanded to give 
my opinion, I have to say that I object to the ukase of my esteemed col- 
league— o^b/ect, most decidedly ! 

Czar— On what grounds ? Your reasons ? 

Melikow— Being entrusted, your majesty, with the exalted and respon- 
sible position of prime minister, I am often called upon to deal with those 
whose crime is Nihilism. At first I, too. thought that it, like a blood- 
poisoned member, should be amputated, but experience has changed my 
views. I now look upon NihiHsts as fanatics, possessed with a mania. They 
revere the memory of those who die an ignominious death on the scaffold, as 
we do our saints. We do not frighten them by such a course— we but 
inspire them to greater daring. Can we stop insanity by putting to death 
all lunatics? Would not such a course rather increase the number of 
lunatics? So it is with the Nihilists. We can kill them by thousands— put 
to prison half the population— but we shall not only fail by such means to 
obHterate their ideas— we shall actually increase their adherents. 

Czar— Then how do you propose to put down this evil? 

Melikow — Treat them as we treat lunatics, your highness. Humor 
them, mollify them ; acquiesce to some degree in their foolish ideas. It can 
be done so diplomatically that your power will not really be curtailed, and 
yet it will satisf)^— will disarm the Nihilists. When they cannot pose as 
heroes or martyrs, they will cease to incite thousands to follow their exam- 
ple, as now. Better cure the poisoned member by some mild liniment than 
to cut it off. This is my opinion, your majesty. I have spoken freely and 
frankly, because I know that on this subject my imperial master would have 
me speak without fear or favor. 

Katko w — Will my gracious sovereign allow me one word ? 

Czar — Speak, Katkow. 

Katkow— The measures of Count MeHkow are but half measures. No 
good can result from them. If the people are dissatisfied, these mild meas- 
ures will encourage them. I was always opposed to Count Mehkow's luke- 
warm policy. Had my advice been followed long ago, Nihilism and all its 
evils would now be unknown. My counsel was that all high schools and 
universities be closed for a century, until we succeed in wiping out all trace 
of Nihilism. We know that it is chiefly in our colleges that these accursed 
ideas are bred. Shuddering for the safety of our empire and our Czar, have 
I not again and again urged that these dangerous institutions be closed ? 
Give our youth an elementary education, and send them to the army. How 
often have I protested against this useless higher education, which only 
perverts and poisons the minds of our youth of both sexes. To the army 
with our youth— to the army, which, with its iron discipline, will teach the 
younger generations to respect the laws and the sovereign. My entreaties 
were disregarded. Colleges ajid universities were permitted to thrive, and, 



-25- 

as I predicted, Nihilism has thriven, too, until now we find ourselves con- 
fronted by serious danger, while our beloved master is not secure, even in 
his own palace, from the dastardly outlaws. Who is to blame for this ? 
None but Louis Melikow. who was ever in opposition to me, and who now 
again opposes the only effectual remedy, putting forward his own lax and 
dangerous polic^^ Most gracious sovereign, 1 venture to suggest that j'ou 
need for citizens not philosophers, not scientists, but plain, unpretentious 
people, with a thorough military training. With such citizens, with a 
nation of brave soldiers, my liege, 3'ou can conquer the world, and this is 
what I would have the sons of Russia to be. For its criminals — for these 
accursed Nihilists — the rack, the scaffold. I beseech your majesty most 
earnestl\% if you would not be murdered in your own palace, if you would 
not see the country in revolution, do not permit your prime minister's negli- 
gence, not to say willfidness, which borders on treason, longer to interfere 
with the proper management of our national affairs. This is what 1 have 
to say for the welfare of my sovereign, and the best interests of my country. 

He bows low and retires to his place. 

Czar — Well and bravely spoken, good Katkow. Why silent, Melikow? 
What have you to say in your defense? 

Melikow — Your majesty, 1 have but little to say in reply, for I can 
see that Katkow has brought me into disfavor with my imperial master. 
He has omitted nothing that could injure me in your estimation. But I 
will not defend myself against his base insinuations and accusations. My 
past, my faithful service — these alone shall speak for me. I have punished 
political offenders with such severity as I deemed advisable and necessary, 
but I never spilled human blood merely for the love of it, as Katkow seems 
eager to do. I was, I, am, I shall always be opposed to that method 
of dealing with the Nihilistic problem; but I do not love you, my imperial 
master, nor Russia one whit less than Katkow, because I am less blood- 
thirsty. I am ever ready. Oh, Czar, to give my life, my last drop of blood, 
for you and my country. 

Cz.\R [extending his hand to him, w-hich he (Melikow) kisses] — Enough, 
Melikow. We know that you are devoted to our welfare, but it seems that 
Katkow understands this question — Nihilism — more clearly than you. 
[Katkovv is visibly elated.] We will now listen to the views of the other 
members of our synod. [He turns to the patriarch.] We will hear you 
next, hoU'^ father. Speak in the name of the hoh' church, and give your 
sanction to one or the other of the views presented for our consideration. 

Patriarch Nicholas — Most gracious ruler. Czar of all the Russias, I 
am in perfect accord with the opinion which you have been pleased to 
express. Our holy church has no mercy for the wretched criminals who 
dare to raise their hands against the Czar, the embodiment of the grace 
of God. Not for a moment should they be permitted to exist. The holy 
church pronounces its condemnation upon them, and consigns them to 
perdition here and hereafter. 

.CzAU — Now, Zelechowski. you. As lord chief justice, let us hear your 
opinion. 

Zelechow^ski — Your majesty, I agree with the holy father. The laws 
are made to suppress crime. Then let the punishment be in proportion to 
the offense. The Nihilists are immeasurably the worst of all criminals — their 
punishment, then, should be so severe that the mere mention of it will strike 
dread to the hearts of the bravest and most daring. 

Czar — Thanks. We have heard you all. We are satisfied — convinced, 
^o, stay; there is Terentjew. Well, general, what have you to say? 



—26- 

Terentjew [coining forward]— I, your majesty ! I wish to express no 
opinion. I am a soldier, not a politician. I was almost born a soldier. I 
know of nothing but to obey the orders of my superior. 

Czar — We know that you are a brave soldier and a good officer. But 
at present we would have your opinion, not as a soldier, but as a true and 
faithful subject. 

^ Terentjew— I am with Katkow, then, in thinking that the Nihilists 
should be rooted out of your majesty's empire by all means. 

Czar — Well spoken, good Terentjew. But do you give this advice com- 
prehending that if it is followed— if I sign this ukase— your wife will be the 
first to suffer, the first to bear the brunt of this new law ? 

Terentjew [reflectively]— True, most gracious lord. 1 did not think of 
that. 

Czar— Your wife was caught red-handed in the very hive of Nihilism. 
If the ukase becomes law she will be burned by slow fires, tortured by everj' 
device which the refinement of cruelty can suggest, until she divulges all she 
knows about this society of criminals. 

Terentjew [kneeling]— My lord and master, she is guilty— she deserves 
to die; and if it were in ray power to rescue her from death by one move- 
ment of my hand, this fiand would remain forever motionless. But oh, my 
master, she is weak and delicate. I cannot endure that she should be tor- 
tured. Let her be killed, but killed quickly, painlessly. Oh, most gracious 
Czar, by all you hold most sacred, spal-e her, spare me, this agony of 
torture. 

Czar — Rise, Terentjew. You have our deepest S3anpath3-, but we cannot 
see how your petition can be granted. You all, except Melikow, agree that 
the ukase shall be signed— shall become law— and the law must be obeyed to 
the letter. Would you have us be the first to disregard its injunctions, even 
to save your wife ? 

Terentjew — My lord, I — I— Oh, Czar, you in your wisdom can surely 
find a way to grant this prayer of your humble servant. My whole life has 
been passed in your service. This (pointing to one cross hanging on his 
breast) was given me by your noble father during the Crimean war. This 
(pointing to another) I won in the war in Asia with the wild Czerkas. 
This (holding up another) for subduing the insurrection in Poland. This, 
for the last war with the Turks. I have fought for you all my life. Every 
part of my body is pierced with sword or bullet. All I ask now as a 
reward for mj' life-long services is that this unhappy woman be spared the 
agony of torture. The thought that she, so delicate and sensitive, shall be 
subjected to these awful sufferings, unmans, unnerves me. I am growing 
old and feeble; my limbs refuse to support me. With your majestj^'s per- 
mission, I will rest for a moment. 

He sits down and buries his face in his hands. 

Czar [with sympathy]— We will do all we can for you, Tei-entjew. Let 
that erring woman, your wife, appear before us. Where is she? Who took 
her? 

Melikow — A gendarme named Ivanow captured her in a neighboring 
village. 

Czar — Let hitn bring her in. 

Melikow whispers a word to Prince Alexander, who departs immediately. 

Czar [to Terentjew, who rises again]— In recognition of your faithful- 
ness and zeal, good Terentjew, .ve will spare your feelings as much as may 



-27- 

be ; and if your wife repents of her wrong-doings, we will even let her live, 
and only banish her from our land. 

Terentjew — Oh Czar, most gracious and most noble! Words cannot 
express my gratitude. 

Katkow — I beg that your majesty will pardon me for daring to speak 
so boldly, but I feel it my sacred duty to warn your highness not to allow 
any mere human weakness to interfere with your dutj^ to yourself and 
the country. Like the Roman father who commanded his own son to be 
put to death — if you would conquer the world you must not know what it 
is to feel. Louis Melikow was governed by the perule weakness of his feel- 
ings, and as a result our country is in danger. I long to see Russia con- 
queror of the world, and because they are a stumbling block to our progress, 
I hate the Nihilists with an tmdying, unquenchable hatred, and thus would 
I have all true Russians feel. I would not hesitate to slay the very babe 
upon the bosom of its mother, if convinced it would ever become a Nihilist. 
We are almost upon the threshold of the great holy war which the Slavonic 
race. shall wage against all other races of Europe. Is not the Slavonic race 
chiefly Russian ? It will then be a war between Russia and the world. The 
only policy that can lead us to success was outlined in the will of your 
majesty's illustrious ancestor, Peter the Great : "Whoever is not for us is 
against us. Destroy our enemies, and domineer over our friends." In this 
way only can Russia vanquish her enemies, and if this policy be followed 
unflinchingly she will conquer the world. The crisis approaches. If we 
indulge in vain, ignoble sentiment, the result will be disaster, and instead 
of marching on to victory we shall be torn by internal dissensions, and 
awake from our folly to find ourselves at the mercy of the Nihilists. So 
again, oh Czar, I warn you, let nothing interfere with the great destiny of 
this mighty empire. 

Here enter Prince Alexander, following him Ivanow. with naked sword, Ludmila, 
with her hands bound behind her, and the two gendarmes, Sukin and Blochow. 

Czar — For the sake of your noble husband, whose earnest solicitation 
touched our heart, we have summoned yoxi here, guiltj' criminal though you 
are. 

Ludmila — I may be guilty in your eyes. I am. nevertheless, a lady, and 
as such I beg your majesty to command that my bonds be loosed. I am 
weary, and I crave your permisvsion to be seated. 

Terentjew — Wretched woman ! Your presumption to him before whom 
you should bow to the dust ill becomes you. 

Czar — Silence, Terentjew ! We forbid you to speak again during this 
interview. (To the gendarmes.) Loose her bonds and give her a chair. 

When she is seated. 

CzAR^Now, what have you to say ? 

Ludmila — Nothing. 

Czar — What ! Do you not repent of your crime? 

Ludmila — I committed no crime. 

Czar (angrilj'j — Stubborn, willful woman. You not only commit crime, 
but in our very presence glory in it. 

Ludmila — If you believe me to be guilty, why question me further. I 
desire your majesty to bid them kill me at once. 

Czar (to Melikow, and indicating Ivanow) — This is the man who 
arrested her. 

Melikow— Yes, your majesty. 

Czar — Your name. 



-28- 

IvANOW (with elaborate military salute) — Nicholas Ivanowitz Ivanow, 
sergeant in Count Melikow's corps of mounted gendarmes (or cavalry). 

Czar — You captured this woman ? 

IvANOW — ^^Just so, your imperial highness. 

Czar— You are a credit to your uniform. 

IvANOW^ust so. your imperial highness. 

Czar — How has the prisoner behaved? 

IvANOW — By order of your imperial highness, I take the liberty to report 
that she is as silent as the grave; as hard as the soldiers' rye bread! By 
order of 3'our imperial highness, I take the liberty to suggest that if she 
were to receive fifty or sixt}^ knouts, it would soften her stubborn nature a 
little. 

Czar — But suppose she were your sister or wife, Ivanow, what then ? 

IvANOW — By order of your imperial highness, I take the liberty to say, 
that were she my own mother, if she dared so much as to lift a finger 
against my Czar, I would kill her with my own hands, as I would a mad 
dog. 

Czar — Ivanow, you are promoted to captaincy. 

Ivanow— Just so, by order of your imperial highness. 

Czar — Melikow, see that this man is given the change in rank. Captain 
Ivanow, you may go, and take your prisoner. 

Ivanow and the two gendarmes salute and, with Ludraila between them, march 
away. The Czar rises from his throne. Music plays softly. 

Czar — While Russia has soldiers such as this, her safety is assured. This 
man's harsh but sincere words have dispelled the last spark of hesitation. 
Yes, now we have decided upon our covirse — we see our path clearly. 
Katkow, your advice shall be followed to the letter. Let the ukaze be 
ready. (To Zelechowski.) You, lord chief justice, will see to it that it is 
ready for our signature. 

He moves a step forward. 

Katkow (fervently) — Now, my beloved master, 1 recognize again the 
true Czar of Russia, under whom the country will reach the zenith of 
grandeur and might. 

Czar advances and the Cossacks make a move and surronnd him. Their officer 
at their bead, they go out after the Czar and escort, i. e. the members of the S3'nod: 
first, Patriarch Nicholas, then Katkow, then Zelechowski, Terentjew last, with 
lagging steps and bowed head. Melikow remains, and after their departure seats 
himselt and speaks. 

Melikow — How fierce a strife is raging in my breast! I see that I can 
no longer retain my present position. I cannot submit to the gibes of 
Katkow and the weakness of Alexander. He trusts no one — not even him- 
self—and now, prompted by his fears, he yields to the wiles of Katkow. As 
for Katkow, he is corrupt and thirsting for power. His ambition knows 
no bounds. Though now he is straining every nerve to crush Nihilism, and 
to make the absolute monarchy still more absolute, yet I beheve he would 
become a most ardent Nihilist himself were he convinced that by advocating 
the principles of political reform he could gain wealth and power. And 
these two, with their stained hands, would make my beloved Russia master 
of the world ! Oh, the irony ! Rather, they will ruin her by their despotism 
and cruelty. My heart bleeds for my poor unhappy country, for daily I see 
clearly the signs of the coming revolution. I read it on the faces of diplomats 
and courtiers, of soldiers and civilians — only these two, the fool and the 



—29— 

rascal, cannot or will not see. *I am an adherent of monarchial govern- 
ment, but I desire for ruler of Russia a man of true courage, of pure, 
unsullied character. Him I could serve with patriotic fervor. 

He is silent for a moment and then resumes, in a diflferent tone. 

How deep an impression that woman sitting there between the two 
rough men made upon me! I cannot rid m3'self of it. Her face, proud, 
calm and full of dignity; her beautiful hands; her eyes, which, when she 
turned them upon me, pierced my ver\^ soul. What would I not give to call 
her my own! (He rises and begins to pace the floor.) My utmost will 
power will scarce restrain my thoughts and feelings. How her face haunts 
me! Vere I superstitious, I could fancy she had bewitched me. Alas! she 
is under the ban of the law — under this new ukase she will be tortured ! Oh, 
God! How terrible! That beautiful woman — tortured! Her delicate flesh 
burnt, her body torn lim.b from limb! (With sudden resolution.) I can 
tolerate this no longer. I will not serve a government which thinks to save 
itself by torturing women! I will resign, and then, as a private citizen, try 
to save poor, unhappy Ludmila from her awful fate. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



Scene 2.— The stage represents a prison cell, dimly lighted, with bare walls, 
etc. There is a pail of water, and in one corner a wretched couch on w^hicli lies 
Ludmila, asleep. Enter Zelechowski, dressed as before, and Melikow, this time in 
civilian's clothes. 

Melikow — Those who are out of power and favor need expect but little 
from their old colleagues, yet you I trust implicitly, believing I should find 
5'ou as much m}' friend in adversity as 3'ou were in prosperit3\ 

Zelechowski— My dear Melikow. you shall not be disappointed in me. 
I shall not deceive 3'ou, especially as I know 3'our purpose to be a noble one. 
I can only hope that you mav be successful in saving the w^oman and her 
child. 

Melikow (grasping his hand) — I thank you, my friend, with all my 
heart. So the child is to be used as a means of extorting from the mother 
what otherwise she refuses to tell. 

Zelechowski — The order is explicit. Either she (pointing to Ludmila) 
must divulge all, or the child will be strangled before her eyes. 

Melikow — But suppose she knows nothing. Suppose, as she says, that 
she was not a member of the societ\' at all — that her part was mereh-^ to 
inform the man who had estranged her in his infamous designs the time 
appointed for the banquet. If this is true, she has nothing to tell. Then 
must that child be murdered ? Oh, it is monstrous ! 

Zelechowski — The ukase is signed. We have our orders— nothing 
remains but to obey. I am willing to help j^ou in your desire to talk to 
this unfortunate woman, but I have no right, and no wish, to indulge in an v 
criticism of mj' superiors. 

Melikow — I understand, and will not try \^our patience further. But 
does Ivanow know of this meeting? 

Zelechowski— Yes, he is in the secret. He guards the doors so that no 
one may pass. He is devoted to you. 



—30- 

Melikow — Good. I can rely upon him, especially as he is sure of a 
handsome reward for any service he may render me. 

Zelechowski — There may be something in that. However, he seemed 
overjoyed at the opportunity of serving you, though you are no longer his 
military superior. But time is precious. I leave you, therefore, my esteemed 
friend, with my best wishes. 

They shake hands heartily, and Zelechowski goes away. Melikow^ advances to 
the wretched cot upon which Ludmila lies, and looks down upon her pale, haggard 
face. Music plays softly. 

Melikow — She sleeps, unconscious of the sufferings which await her on 
her aw^aking. Poor girl — poor Ludmila — I have no heart to rouse you from 
this state of happy oblivion to the sorrow^ful stern reality. But no ! You 
shall not suffer — yoti shall not die upon the scaffold! I wall yet save you. 
Life, love, joy, happiness shall yet be yours. 

He takes her hand and kisses it. Music ceases. Ludmila awakes with a start, 
withdraws her hand, and rises to a sitting posture on the cot. 

Ludmila (in a dazed, confused tone) — Who are \'-ou? 

Melikov^ — Do you not recognise me? Has the change in dress so 
altered my appearance that you do not know me? 

Ludmila — Yes, yes. I know you now. Pardon me. My eyes are dim. 
I cannot see in this uncertain light. 

Melikow (solicitoush') — You are ill. You are so pale and worn. 

Ludmila — I scarcely know whether I am well or ill. Since I am here I 
have lost all sense of feeling. Would to God all were ended. 

Melikow — Do not saj-^ that. Do not despair. You may yet be content 
and happy. 

Ludmila (with a derisive but mournful laugh)— J content! / happy! 
Count, did you come here to jest with one in my position ? 

Melikow— Jest ? I? Ludmila — but why hesitate? Ludmila, I love 
you. (He takes her hand and kneels.) I love you truh', passionately, with 
a devotion which knows no barrier or prejudice — recognizes no social or 
political differences. We have met often in the imperial drawing-rooms, and 
in the dance I have admired your grace and beauty. But when at the meet- 
ing of the holy synod you were led in, your hands bound, between the 
gendarmes — when fearlessly, dauntlessly yovi replied to the Czar, I felt as 
never before. In that moment you bound me to you by ties of love which 
nothing can sever. Since then your fate, your future, has been the one 
theme of my thoughts. Why are you silent, my dearest, my own? 

He rises and encircles her waist with his arm. 

Give me but one word of hope. Do not deny me this happiness. 

Ludmila — How can the sentiments of a woman w^hose hours are num- 
bered bring you happiness. Count ? 

Melikow — Ludmila, if you will, you need not die. There is escape 

Ludmila (breathlessly, but incredulously) — How ? 

Melikow — Tell all you know about the explosion in the palace. Name 
those who were implicated in it, and those who concocted it, and then by 
strenuous efforts we may save your life. 

Ludmila (freeing herself) — Count, I know nothing — absolutely nothing. 
I swear it by all I hold most sacred. 

Melikow — I believe you. I feel that you speak truth, my dear one. 
But the Czar, imbued by Katkow with the belief that you know all the 
workings of the order, will not believe you. You must tell them something 



-Si- 
te satisfy them, or suffer the terrible doom they have marked out for you. 
Let us invent some plausible story, implicating such persons as are already 
suspected by the police, and telling a fictitious tale of the ways and means 
of the Nihilists. They will think the dread of torture has drawn it from 
you. I will arrange it all. Obey my instructions and you shall be saved — 
saved for happiness — for all that makes life desirable. What do you sa}', 
dearest ? Answer me. 

LuDMiL.\ — I say that I refuse to take a part in your scheme. I sa}'^ that 
I refuse to be saved by involving men who are wholly innocent. 

Melikow— Not quite. The men we will choose are Nihilists, and there- 
fore in a sense are guilty, even if they did not plan the explosion. And 
besides, what matters it when 3'our precious life is at stake? 

LuDMiLA (coldly) — You mistake. I will not save myself in the way you 
propose — by swearing to a lie — nay, by dragging the innocent to the scaf- 
fold. I tell you, Count Melikow, that even were I in possession of all their 
secrets I would not disclose them to save my life. No, never! 

Melikow (kneeling before her) — If not for your own sake, for my sake, 
because of my great love for 3'^ou. I implore you to reconsider your decision. 
And tell me something of your feelings for me. Have some pity. Tell me 
that you love me. 

LuDMiLA — Count, I beg you to rise. I will not say a word while j'ou 
are kneeling. (He rises.) You are good and noble. You have my deep 

respect and sympathy, but as for love 

Melikow— Well ?" 

LuDMiLA — I do not love you. I shall never love you. 

Melikow — Your words are like a knell to me. Why are 3'ou so posi- 
tive, so cruel. How can you say that you will nerer love me. 
LuDMiLA — Because m}' heart is dead to all feeling. 

Melikow (sarcastically) — Or else consumed b}^ a guilty passion for the 
wretch for whom yoit risked 3'our life — a rabid Nihilist. 

Ludmila (with queenly pride) — Since 3^011 are so persistent, I will 
answer 3'ovi. Yes, I loved him — this "rabid Nihilist." I would have given 
my life for him. But (despairingly) he is dead — dead ! And oh, I wish that 
I, too, were dead, that I might the sooner be with my beloved. 

Melikow (in a changed tone) — It is plain that all m3' petitions are vain. 
But you may not be aware, so I will tell you, that not only3-ou but another, 
an innocent being whom a'ou love, will be sacrificed if \'ou persist in your 
determination. 

Ludmila — Another ! Whom can 3'ou mean ? 

Melikow — Your daughter. If 3'ou refuse to disclose the plot she, too, 
must die. 

Ludmila (grasping Melikow's wrist) — Count, it is false. It cannot be. 
The Czar cannot be such a monster. 

Melikow — Alas! Madam, it is but too true. The Czar, influenced by 
this evil genius, Katkow, has issued an edict, and in future no mercy will be 
shown the Nihilists. 

Ludmila — And yet at such a time you dared to speak of love to me. 
You, who tolerate such crimes under the government you serve and uphold. 
Melikow — Madam, you mistake. I am no longer prime minister. 
To-da3' I am a private citizen who can love, pit3' and save those whom in 
my official capacit3^ it would have been my duty to punish. Madam, I will 
no longer speak of my love for you, but for the sake of your child I entreat 
3'OU to listen and be saved. 

Ludmila — Oh, this is dreadful ! Incredible ! I cannot believe it. 
Melikow— You doubt it ? Well, you shall be convinced. 



-32- 
He goes to a door in the prison wall and calls. 
Ivanovv ! 

Voice from outside. 
Here, j'oui- excellency. 
. He (Ivanow) emerges from the door and salutes Melikow. 

What are your orders, captain, regarding this lady and her child ? 

Ivanow— I am commanded b}^ his excellency, the lord chief justice, to 
hold Frolovv in readiness, and if, as heretofore, she i-emains stubborn and 
silent, he will strangle the child before her eyes. 

LuDMiLA (pressing her hand upon her heart)— Oh ! God I 

Melikow— Is all prepared ? 

JvANOw— Yes, my lord. In an adjoining cell, guarded by Sukin and 
Blochow, are Frolow and— fast asleep from an opiate— the child. When 
your lordship goes, they will execute their orders. 

Melikow— That will do, Ivanow. You can go. 1 will not keep you 
waiting long. 

Ivanow (saluting)— I am at your lordship's command. 

He goes. 

LuDMiLA (folding her hands as if in supplication.)— Count, I believe 
all you say. I know that you are kind and merciful, I beseech 3-ou to 
save my child— and oh ! I will be your servant, your slave—! 

Melikow — I can do nothing unless you will obey me The Czar has 
spoken, and from his decision there is no appeal. 

LuDMiLA— Of what avail then is your devotion?— Where is your self- 
denial? Give me but this one proof— set free my child— and I will be 
yours forever. 

Melikow— Madam, my life, my fortune, all that I have, is at your 
disposal. Gladly, freel3% will I spend them in your service; but do not 
tempt me to be a traitor to the Czar. 

LuDMiLA (tiercely)— Then leave me. Contemptible man —Coward !— 
Who dare tempt me to drag to the scaffold innocent men. Go, do your 
worst. I defy you. 

She falls prone upon her cot. Melikow comes near and makes a guesture as 
it to speak. She covers both her ears with her hands. 

LuDMiLA— I will not listen to you. I refuse to hear you further. Go, 
go from my sight ! 

He goes, a picture of despair. Ludniila flings herself upon the cot, and buries 
her face in her hands. Afusic plays, low and solemtd\-. Enter Ivanow, Blochow 
and Sukin. carrying a girl of perhaps eight years, "and following them Frolow, 
the executioner, in a red robe or gown, with han.ls bare, and wearing high boots. 
Ivanow touches up Ludmila wdth the toe of his boot. She starts up, and looks 
at them with a horror-stricken air. 

Ivanow— Well, my little dear, hadn't we better dispense with all these 
pretty skittish airs and graces. They might do very well in some other 
place, but they won't answer here. No, not by a long shot. Well, are 
you \yilling now, to open your heart to your good old friend Ivanow, 
who is always wilHng to listen to your confession. What, my pretty 
chick, still silent?—I say. Frolow, just tickle the neck of that doll of yours 
there a little, will you ? 



LuDMiLA (falling on hor knees)— Mercy for the child. Mercy for the 
innocent child. 

IvAxow (sarcasticallv I — Innocent. Who that kills a tigress will spare 
her whelp? 

LUDMILA — Do yoii not fear that God's wrath will overtake yon for a 
deed so terrible ? 

IvAXOw— Oh, stop that foolish prattle. The Czar rules the earth and 
God in Heaven. What the Czar does here, God sanctions there. Come 
now (harshly), will yon tell me or not? No! Well then, Frolow— ( with 
a significant gesture.) 

Frolow (desperately) — I can't do it! 

IvANow— What's that? 

Froi.ow — I cannot, father! I am ready to silence the strongest inan, 
or even a woman, at a moment's notice, but this — thing I will not hurt 
— it is too much. 

IvANOW (draws his pistol) — What, you dare talk like that, you black 
rascal. Strangle it, you devil, or I will shoot you like a dog. 

Frolow (with resignation) — Well, the Lord's will be done. But I 
must have whiskey, jilent}' of whiskej-. 

IvANOw — Give your flask to Frolow, one of you. 

SuKiN — I have none, your honor. 

Blochow^ — Neither have I. 

IvANOW — You lie, both of you. But, if you won't give him yours, he 
shall have mine. 

He puts back the pistol, and draws oyt a large flask of brandy which he gives 
to F"rolow. Frolow surveys and sniffs at' the bottle. 

Frolow — To your good health. Captain. 
IvANOW— Drink hearty, my bo} , and do your duty. 

Frolow drinks a long time, then throws aside the bottle, and after some 
further motions and gestures, sa\'S : 

Frolow — Now% I am ready for anything. 

LiJDMiLA (desperately)— Stay— stop— I have something to tell you. 

IvANOW — Wait, Frolow. S), my fluttering little dove— coming to yoi!ir 
senses now, eh? Well, what is it ? Sukiu, you had better bring a scribe 
to take down her statement. 

LuDMiLA— I will speak, but noi to you — to Count Melikow. 

IvAXow (sneeringly)— Oh, is that so? He has a very tender heart, 
that Coimt Melikow, and he thinks a good deal of that pretty face 
of yours. So you want Count Melikow (with a long whistle.) That's 
vour little game now, is it? But we are up to you. No Count Melikow 
now, my dear. no, rou te!J UE. Understand? Mk. Captain Ivanow, 
of His Majesty's second corps of mounted gendarmes, or else take the 
consequences. 

LuDMiLA— Ob, I will tell you or anybody, to save my child. I am 
ready to do anything — everything. I will follow the Count's advice. 

IvANOw — Well, then, tell me all you know. 

LuDMiLA — Oh, I don't know anything, but Count Melikow knows. 
.\sk him, he will tell you. I — oh, my head — ray l)rain is on fire — I— don't 
know — I think — (finishes incoherently.) 

Ivanow (brutally) — Here, stop that. I've liad too much of your silly 
l)abble. Frolow, do your dut\'! 

Ludmila tries desperately to throw herself uijon Frolow, but is held back l)y 
[vnnow and the siondanncs. She falls upon the couch, 



-34- 

Frolow [to Ivanow] — It is done. 

Lxidmila arises from the cot, pressing her hands to her head. 

LuDMiLA — My child! my only child ! my — my — oh. Ha! — ha! — ha! 

She laughs wildly, like a maniac, and falls, writhing and screaming, in a hcip 
6n the floor. Ivanow touches her disdainfiilW with the toe of his boot. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT IV. 

The stage represents a secret chamber, where meets the Niliilistic Executive 
committee, which manages the Nihilistic movement in Russia. It is a large room ; 
the w^alls are covered with black cloth, so that a suund from within cannot be 
heard. On the front wall, in large red letters, is seen this inscription: "We love 
freedom and are ready to die for it." Beneath this inscription is a table covered 
with black cloth. Upon the table are placed a htiman skull and black masks. 
Aroimd the table six persons are seated — five men and one woman, and the seventh, 
whose d\ity it is to guard the door. One sits on a larger and higher chair than the 
others, his back close to the wall. He holds in his right hand a gavel, like the one 
used by the president of the meeting. .\s the curtain rises, he knocks on the table 
with the gavel. 

President (Zelabow) — Our session is open. Tlie hrst thing to do is to 
liear the report of our trustworthy comrade, Alexander, who, as I under- 
stand, is waiting in the anteroom. 

Rysakow— I think the first thing we must do is to hear all that has 
recently transpired at the palace. 

Zelabow, to the man standing motionless near the door (the only one). The 
man is dressed in the usual costume of a Russian dvornik, or street cleaner- 

Zelabow — Bring Prince Alexander in, Sacha. 

(Sacha goes away, and in a moment returns with Prince .Alexander, who is 
dressed in his picturesque costume, just as we have seen him for thi first time at tiic 
court room. ) 

Prince Alexander (Taking off his military headgear)— Greeting to 
you, beloved counselors. 

Zelabow — Greeting to yourself, brother. We are assembled to hear 
your, no doubt, sorrowful tale. Take a chair and tell us what has happened 
to that poor, unhapp}^ w^oman, w- ho, while not belonging to us, yet through 
her connection wnth our most revered, saintly Krolcw, a real martyr for 
Russia's freedom, came to such a terrible end. 

Prince Alexander (sitting on one of three empty chairs) — Yes, my 
brother and comrades, I came to tell you a sorrowful tale, indeed. Just 
after the last unsuccessful attempt made on the tyrant's life b\' our 
martyred Krolow, the Czar called the synod. The}' met and discussed 
measures b}' which the Nihilists could be more successfully suppressed. As 
the best measure of all, Katkow has recommended tortures. 

Rysakow (jumps from his chair and raises his clenched fist)— Tortures ! 
Oh, the fiend incarnate, Katkow ! 

Zelabow — Be still, brother; do not interrupt our comrade. Let him 



hnish this talc of sorrow, Avhich will soon become a talc of vengeance. 
Go on. 

Prince Alexander— Katkow recommended tortures as the best 
means of extorting the knowledge from our imprisoned brothers. He 
has drawn up the form for the " ukaz," by the strength of which, all the 
Nihilists, no matter whether their so-called crime is small or great, are 
put to death. Before being made away with, they will be tortured in 
order to extort from them all the knowledge they have or may have, of 
anything concerning us. Henceforth, so the"ukaz" says, the Nihilists 
will not be tried openly in court. They will be made away with 
secretly in the dead of the night, right in the dungeons. A Nihilist, 
caught in the act, or suspected, is taken away, no matter from where, 
and is never again heard from by his familv, relatives or friends. He 
ceases to exist, as if the earth had suddenly swallowed him. According 
to the ukaz, before he is made awaj- with, he will be tortured — tortured 
with all the dark devices of the dark ages, to extort what he knows 
about the Nihilists. 

Zelabow^— Well, has the Czar and his council accepted this law, more 
barbarous than anything that can be imagined, or ever heard of, even in 
the most barbarous times. Was there no opposition to it ? 

Prince Alexander— The only opposition was oifered by Louis MeH- 
kow. His opposition was overpowered by Katkow's false logic. Czar, 
coward and always in doubt as he is, didn't want to decide himself, so 
he presented it to the S3nod. The remaining members were unanimous 
in support of Katkow's measure. 

Zelabow — Who voted in support of it? 

Prince Alexander— Patriarch Nicholas. 

Zelabow^— Yes ! The church, in this case as well as in any other, is 

ever ready to support, to uphold the most tyrannical government, even 

if it is the very opposite of Christ's teachings and the spirit of Christ's 

V religion, for fear that it may endanger its peace and prosperity. Any 

>more? 

Prince Alexander — Lord Chief Justice Zelechowski and General 
Terentjew. 

Zelabow — Ah! the law-maker and soldier! It is no more than can be 
expected. Both show the spirit and foundation upon which this absolute 
monarchy or absolute tyranny is founded, and which both maintain and 
will maintain even at the cost of their own lives. But the time is nearing 
when both these destructive forces will be overpowered, and the fetters bv 
which the}' bind our great country will fall harmless to the gtound ! Well, 
m}' brother, did the Czar sign the ukaz ? 

Prince Alexander— Yes, he did. The ukuz is issued, though no one 
except the police and some military authorities know it. The ukuz 
is signed; it has become a law, which will be rigidly enforced, though the 
public at lai-ge will never become acquainted with its contents, or know 
of its existence — will never know anything of what is going on in the 
dungeons w^here the Nihilists are imprisoned. This law will be kept 
.secret on account of the foreigners and the foreign forces, which would 
raise a cry of indignation if the news should reach them that in Russia 
tortures are being practiced. 

Zelabow — Yes, yes, I understand it perfectly— I am well acquainted 
with the ways of our government, which, barbarous, corrupt, tvrannical 
as it is, trembles at the thought that its true character will be found out 
by the foreign nations. But what has become of Ludmila, the woman 
arrested after Krolow's unsuccessful attemp't? 



Prince Alexander — Now comes the saddest part of my tale. On 
account of the intense pleadings of the husband, the government was 
disposed to be lenient — more to her than to any other of the so-called 
criminals. But he wanted to see her first — see her humbled in the dust 
before his august presence, begging for mercy. Following this lowly 
whim of his, he ordered to bring her into the holy synod's meeting. She 
was brought with her hands pinioned behind, between two gendarmes, 
who handled her very roughh'. What was the surprise of the Czar and 
all present, when she, instead of humbling herself, begging for mercy and 
forgiveness, faced them proudly and fearlessly. In the first place, she 
demanded to be treated like a lady. She wanted her hands free, and as 
she was tired, to permit her to be seated. This demand was complied 
with. On being asked b}' the Czar if she doesn't repent of the crime she 
has committed, she replied that she didn't commit any crime, and 
therefore has nothing to repent of. This practically ended the interview. 
She was lead away, and her demeanor, so noble and fearless, hastened 
the Czar's determination, and the ukuz was signed shortly afterwards. 
Following the advice of his black spirit, Katkow, the Czar determined to 
enforce this tikuz upon the poor woman. 

Zelabow — Was she tortured, then ? 

Prince Alexander — Yes, and by a new and terribly ingenious method, 
which even the holy inquisition of old would not be capable of. As a means 
of torture, her daughter, a child of eight years, was used. The}' were con- 
vinced that she was initiated into all our plans, and so they decided to use 
her daughter as the means of extorting the supposed knowledge, which, as 
you all know, has never existed. The child was brought into the prison 
where she was confined, and, as she persisted in denjang that she knew 
anything about us, the child was strangled before her very ej-es. 

SorHiE Perowska (gets up from her chair, and comes near to him and 
lays her hand upon his shoulder) — Are you sure of what you say. This 
is such a monstrous piece of barbarity that even we cannot believe it could 
be perpetrated b}- the Czar's government. 

Prince Alexander — Nevertheless, my dear sister, it is true. I was not 
at the place where that horrible crime was committed, for if I had been, 
I would not have been able to stand it, and would have tried to 
prevent it even at the cost of my own life. But I know the details, such as I 
possibly could learn, by the use of a bribe, from one of the gendarmes present. 
When the child was strangled, the shock was so great that the poor 
woman was not able to stand it any longer, and went mad — stark mad. 
She was confined in the lunatic asjdum, and her life will be but of very 
short duration, as thej' will undoubtedlj' poison her. 

(While Alexander is talkuig, Perowska sits back in her old place. ) 

Zelabow— Poor, unhappy Ludmila. she deserves a far better fate. We 
will ascertain if her jo resent position is hopeless. If there is the slightest 
hope ^of her recovery, we will liberate her In* fair or foul means and send 
her to some foreign land, where she can spend the remainder of her davs in 
comparative peace and comfort. (He rises from his chair.) 

Zelabow— Comrades and fellow members of our executive committee, 
you have heard the account of our faithful and trustworthy comrade, 
Alexander, the. account of the cruelty' and barbarism which are without 
comparison in the present centur\'. Shall we pass it unnoticed, comrades ?" 

All — No ! never ! 

Zelabow — It is my opinion, too. Both the ukaze, a trulj' Draconian 
and a secret law, and the murder of that child crv out for vcnsreancc. 



kvsAKuw — Before any deeision is arrived al, I lueaiiL Lu say a wmd. 
My opinion is that all that have participated in the crimes narrated by 
Alexander ought to be punished with death : and above all, the black spirit 
of our countr}', that evil cotmsellor of the Czar — Katkow ! 

Zelabow — I oppose your motion. 

It is not the man personally, but the government that should suffer, for 
it would be utterly' impossible for any man, no matter how base, in a count v 
enjoying political freedom, to carry out such dastardly plans. 

This state of things cannot long be tolerated in Russia. The 
craving for freedom, even such as is enjoyed by neighboring coimtries, 
l)ecomes more widespread every day. The demands — or rather the demand 
of the so-called Nihilists are becoming household words ever}^ where. They 
are being whispered and repeated in our schools and colleges — in the cabins 
of the poor and opressed peasants as well as in the palaces of our* nobles. 
Vou can hear of them in the soldiers' barracks as well as in the places 
of worship. Our demands are just, and appeal to the better-minded citizens 
of Russia. We want, in the first place, a right which belongs to evcr\- 
human being — the right to express our opinion, by the word of mouth or 
pen — that is, liberty of speech and press. We want the system of govern- 
ment to be founded upon the majority rule, and not upon the one man and 
his clique. In one word, we want a constitutional government, and not 
absohitc. As the right of expressing our opinion is denied to us, we have 
no other way but to resort to force, to armed resistance, to the use of 
destructive machinery, to dynamite, to anything of that kind, as it is the 
only way left to us to secure our rights. We cannot hope to bring about 
the desired reform in any other way. But terrorism, which is our onlv 
weapon, must be directed against him who represents the system of gov- 
ernment. It must be directed solely and exclusively against the person of 
the Czar, w^ho is directly responsible for all the social and political evils 
existing here. So opposing the proposition made b}' our esteemed comrade 
Kysakow, I say that the Czar onh' is responsible for what has transpired 
lately. Katkow is only the creature of circumstances bred by the system. 
If the Czar wouldn't have Katkow, he would have hundreds of others who 
would advise the same. We must remove the cause, and punish only him 
who represents the sj'stem, and makes Katkow's advice not only possible 
])ut desirable. I will ask you now, how shall it be ? Whoever here agrees 
with me, let him raise his right hand. [All raise right hands.] All agree 
with me, even Rysakow. 

Rysakow — Yes, brother. Your argument has convinced me, and there- 
fore I withdraw m^' motion. 

Zelabow — The Czar alone shall be punished. It will serve to frighten 
his successors and force them to change their dastardly system of gov- 
ernment. We will sit in judgment on the Czar in our usual wa}-. 

He seats himself, puts on the black mask, all follow his example. Music begins 
to plaj' a low tune. Zelabow, from the inside of tlie skull, takes somcthinij. 

Zelabow — In this skull we have twelve small balls. Six black and six 
white. Every one will take one of each. At the sign from me all will drop 
one ball back in the skull. Black means death, white life. 

Xow he knocks with the gavel, all six balls drop in the skull. 

Zelabow — You all have given your vote? 
All — We have. 

Zelabow (gets up) — One black, two, three, four, five, six — all black. The 
executive committee decide, therefore, that the Czar shall die. 



—as- 
All, even the Prince Alexander and Sacha standing at the door, get up, raise 
their hands and exclaim : " Death to the despot!" Mtisic ceases. They sit down 
and take off their masks. 

Zelabow — He will die. But now the question is, what way. We have 
tried already' different wa^vs of putting him to death and without avail. 
We have tried pistol shots, dynamite explosions. The Czar has escaped 
all these. He seems to bear a charmed life, and thanks to his luck or to our 
carelessness, may become a saint in the eyes of common people. Therefore, 
it is a matter of greatest possible importance to us that this attempt be 
successful and the Czar killed. We must decide w^hat way we shall tr}- 
again to kill him. 

KiBALZYTZ — Permit me. dear brother, to say a word upon the subject. 

Zelabow— We will hear you with pleasure. 

KiBALZYTZ— What I want to say^s this, as 3^ou all know, I am a chemist 
l)y profession. For a time I have worked upon the manufacturing of one 
thing which at least I succeeded in finishing, and in a w^ay that proved suc- 
cessful bej^ond my most sanguine expectations. This, in my opinion, maj' 
be used as the best means of liberating our country- from that hateful 
despot. 

Zelabow — What is it, brother? Explain 3^ourself. 

KiBATZVTZ — I will make it clear to all of you. I have manvifactured 
bombs. 

All — Bombs ! ! 

KiBALZYTZ — Yes, comrades, and I propose to use them now as the best 
way for killing the Czar. D^^namite explosions are out of the question, 
especially now after the Krolow's attempt. Pistol shot is always very 
doubtful, two to one that he w^ho shoots will miss; but the bomb, 
l^eing a novel device, will answer the purpose pei'fectly. M^'^ bomb will 
kill — almost tear to atoms — at the radius of one hundred feet. Using the 
bomb, we need not be afraid of missing our aim. The bomb will never 
be suspected by the public. It can, therefore, be carried perfectly safe in 
high silk hats or in an apron like that worn by oxic dvorniks. I tell you, 
comrades, that I have thought the matter over thoroughly, and am full)- 
convinced that in this way only we will succeed in killing Alexander the 
Second. 

Zelabow— I like your proposition very much, brother, but how can it be 
brought about ? 

Prince Alexander— Let me say a w^ord here. The Czar goes often to 
see his second morgantic w*ife, Princess Dolgourouki. He returns to his 
palace about 9 or 10 o'clock in the morning. He usually rides through St. 
Catherine street. While he rides from Princess Dolgoui'ouki's house to his 
palace, our purpose can be accomplished. 

Zelabow — He rides in a carriage. Will this bomb be of sufficient 
strength to kill the Czar while he sits inside. 

KiBALZYTZ— Hardly, he may receive a very great shock, which may even 
knock him senseless, but I don't think that it can kill him w^hile he is riding. 
If we accept the stor3' of our comrade, and make an attempt between 
Dolgourouki's house and his palace, it must be made in this way: The first 
man will throw the bomb under the carnage. It will wreck tl\e carriage and 
compel the Czar to get out. As soon as he gets out, the second man at 
hand will throw the second bomb right .under his feet. To prevent any 
possible chance of escape for the Czar, there ought to be a third man, who, 
if the Czar escapes, which is very doubtful, will throw the third bomb and 
finish him then and there. Now, comrades, you have mv proposition, which, 
1 think, will be the best under the circumstances. 



—89— 

Zelabow — I think so, too. I like this plan very much. Now, itrests with 
you to decide. Are you satisfied with this ? 

All— Yes ! 

ZELAliOW — So shall it be. It now remains as to who will carry it out. 
As you know, the honor of appointment for such work rests solely with me, 
as president of the Executive Committee. In this case it is a very difficult 
matter for me. The fii-st two men, if not all three, in the proposed place go 
to certain death. If they are not killed on the spot, then they will be 
caught, imprisoned, tortured and executed. I am reluctant in making 
these appointments, as it means death to everyone whom I will appoint. 

Sophie Perowska— But we are all ready, without the slightest fear. 

Zelabow— I have no doubt of that, for if I thought that any one of you 
would falter for a moment, I would give up our cause for lost. So far we 
have done our duty well. We have distinguished ourselves by ati un- 
paralleled devotion to our cause, by an unassuming heroism of which the 
world never knows, and heroism as stoic as the walls of the prison within 
which the hero dies— silent as those, his only witnesses, his tormentors. 

RvsAKOW— I beg you to appoint me as the one to throw the first bomb. 
When you refused me on former occasions, you gave me your promise that 
I would have the first appointment in the future. The time has come, and 
I demand to be given that honor and privilege." 

Zelabow— The honor and privilege to die? Yes, brother, it is yours! 
I give it to you with all my heart, heavy laden and full of sorrow at the 
thought that our cause demands the sacrifice of such a young and noble life. 
Now for the second. Who shall that be ? 

All-I! I; I! I! 

Zelabow makes a motion with liig hand. 

Zelabow — Do not be so eager to die yet. Every erne's end will come in 
time! 

RysakoW' — I have almost forgotten. I have a man who, I think, 
would be just the right man for the .second place. (He looks at his watch. ) 
Yes. he is here now. He waits in one of our anterooms. 

Zelabow— Who is he? 

KvsAKOW— He is a Pole, who came from Warsaw, capital city of Poland, 
just yesterday. He brought with him a letter from the Central Committee 
of Polish NihiHsts of Warsaw, which he wants to present to our meeting. 

Zelabow— But was that enough guarantee to allow him to come here .' 
Don't you think, Rysakow, that you have acted rashly in the matter? 

Rysakow— The guarantee for me was another letter, from a dear friend 
of mine, a college mate, who resides at present in Warsaw. This letter, 
written in our mysterious ink, is significant, it is as follows : 

He gets it from his pocket. 

" The bearer of this, Stanislaus Gryniewicki, goes to St. Petersburg with 
the intention of placing himself at the disposal of your committee. I know 
him well. He is fearless, cautious and trustworthy, combining all these 
mental and moral qualities which will make him an almost priceless 
addition to the rank and file of your co-workers for liberty. Don't waste 
much time in ascertaining as to his integrity and ability, but place him at 
(jnce before the Executive Committee at its nearest session." 

So you see (holding the letter), in bringing him to our place, I have only 
followed the advice of a friend, whom I trust more than I would myself. 

Zelabow— To what room have you ox'dered him to be admitted '■ 



—40— 

KvsAKow— Room No. 3. 
Zelabow— Does he know the counlei-sign ? 
Rysakow— Yes. 

Zelbow (to the man at the door)— Sacha, go to room No. 3, and il" 
there is anyone waiting, after he gives you the countersign, bring him in. 

. Sacha ^oes awa3', and Zelabovv, tinning to the two Nihilists who were sitting 
silent all the time, says : 

Zebalow— We must pi-ove him first. 

The stage is suddenly made dark for a short time. During this time changes are 
made on the stage as follows: In the middle of the stage a bench with red marks. 
Over it hangs a brightly shining sword, seemingly in the air. All present wear 
masks. They arc sitting in a row on chairs. Zelabow stands in the middle. Near 
thedoora tall man intheusual civihan dress, his eves blindfolded, between the above- 
mentioned Nihilists. 

Zelabow — Take the covering Irom his eyes. 

Turning to the man who looks around in a dazed sort of a way. 

Who are you and what is j'^our object in coming here ? 

Gryniewicki — Am I before the Executive Committee? 

Zelabow — You are. 

Gryniewicki — Russian brothers, greeting! I am a man of few words, so 
instead of entering into a long explanation, read this letter, which,! have no 
doubt, explains everything. 

He unbuttons his coat and vest, takes out a penknife, slashes the inside of the 
vest open, and gets a piece of paper. The paper is white without envelope, only 
folded in a curious way. Zelabow takes the paper, looks around it carefully, and 
gets from his pocket asmall bottle, filled with some fluid. He wets the paper with 
that fluid. 

Zelabow — It looks genuine enough. Now 1 see writing plainly. You 
will have no objections to my reading it aloud, as it is addressed to all the 
members of our committee. 

Gryniewicki— None whatever. 

Zelabow (reading the letter) —"Brothers and comrades of Russia, we 
Irom fair and oppressed Poland send you greeting! The bearer of this, a 
young man for whose honesty, bravery and integrity, we, the members of 
the Polish Central Nihilistic Committee of Warsaw, vouch for, is desirous of 
l)erforming some work for you. He is not yet a Nihilist in your sense of the 
word, as we all are not, for his object as well as ours, is only the freedom of 
Poland, for which our fathers and forefathers suffered and died on the bat- 
tle-fields and scaffolds. We are now bound by the ties of revolt against 
the hateful oppression, the dreadful tyranny of Czardom, under which 
Poland suffered ten times more than Russia itself. You are fighting for the 
Ireedom of Russia, we for the freedom of Poland, because the new govern- 
ment—the government with even comparative freedom, will give Poland, if 
not total independence, at least authoritj^ which is enjoyed by our com- 
patriots under the Austrian regime. United, then, by a common cause, we 
are with you body and soul. As a mai-k of our sincerity, we send you the 
bearer of this, who is ready to do anything for you. He will place himself 
imreservedly at 3'our disposal. Use him as you think best. Use him in one 
of your fresh attempts on the tyrant's life. He will perform his work well. 
He is able and cunning. If necessary, he can die — die like a true descendant 
of Pulaski and Kosciuchko, like a descendent of those who were taught to 
love freedom on their mothers' knees. He will die like a true Pole." 



-41~ 

All on the stage applaud when the letter it finished. Gryniewicki bows to them 
in recognition. 

Zelahow [who alone remains silent, watching him closely.] — So you are 
ready to take a part in the attempt upon the Czar's life ? 
Gryniewicki— Yes ! 
Zelabow- -You . . . traitor ! 

This last word he cries very loud. Instantly all arise from their chairs. The three 
men standing by Gryniewicki's side catch him. 

Zelabow [loud] — Kill him ! Kill the traitor ! 

One of the men standing on the left side raises alargeknife. The man on the right 
takes a pistol and points it at him. They both make to appear as if they were 
going to kill him then and there. All this is done with lightning-like rapidity. Gry- 
niewicki stands quietly, withotit a tremor of the muscles. 

Zelabow [makes a gesture with his hand, they let him go.] — This test 
is over, you have stood it remarkably well. Now for another. You will lie 
on this bench— your heart directly under the point of the sword. 

Gryniewicki makes a motion as if to obey his orders. 

Zelabow— Stay, young man, and listen to what I ha^-e to say. This 
sword is not an ordinary one, as you can easily see by its shape. It is 
centuries old. It came down to us from some old Brahmin, who explained 
that it contained a wonderful charm. It drops and kills anyone lying on 
that bench, whose heart is not as brave as he intends, who even unknown 
to himself is not able to stand all physical pain and tortures without mur- 
muring, and who would be likely to waver at an important moment. All 
such are usually killed by that sword. We are not likely to believe in any 
charms, but we have had wonderful proofs which have convinced even the 
most sceptical that this sword contains some mysterious, supernatural 
power. Many people who were brought here for the purpose of testing 
them were killed. The sword drops and kills them. Why, it is beyond 
everybody's comprehension. It hangs on the same cord exactly. In one 
case, however, the cord breaks and the sword falls ; in another, it hangs 
motionless. The bench, as you see, is ready. It is red with the blood of 
those who were killed while undergoing this test. By this we are saved 
from traitors who are weak and cowardly at heart. After going through 
this test, those who are consigned by the committee to do any work, 
always perform it in a way which elicits the admiration of the whole 
world. This is why the real NihiHsts [that is, those who are initiated into 
all our means and ways] must of necessity be as brave as lions, or true as 
steel, because they have stood the sword test and came out victorious. 
So I warn you again, if you don't know yourself well, if you have the least 
doubt as to your moral strength, better not try it, for it means certain 
death. 

Gryniewicki — I have no doubt! I have no fear! I am not afraid of 
anything. I am ready to stand the trial. 

Zelabow — Put him on the bench ! 



With the assistance of the two. he is put on the bench. All is still for a moment, 
then suddenly the sword falls within an mch of his heart and goes up again. 

Gryniewicki [who lies motionless] — It didn't strike ! So I am not such 
a coward after all ! — 

Zelabow— Rise, brother ! 



i 



-42- 

All on the stage apiilaud. Grj^niewlcki stands up. Zelabow takes his mask off, 
and puts it on the table, and all follow his example. 

Zelabow — Brother from the fair land of Poland, you have stood 3-our 
test without reproach. You have stood it like a true Pole, — a people who 
are famous for their braver}- and integrit}'. We have no doubt now that 
you are all that the letter said of you — and you will therefore be given the 
post in our new effort, as suggested by Rj'sakow. 

Gryniewicki — One thing I wish to say is that after I perform mj' duty, 
and when Russia has been liberated from the present oppressive form of 
government, that you, dear brother, will keep the promise made b}' 3'ou 
repeatedly to my countrymen and give them their freedom. 

Zelabow — Undoubtedly. Our Polish brothers who are at present 
dispersed all over the world, and who live and die with the never-changing 
hope of regaining their lost freedom — have nobly responded to our call for 
help and are doing their share of work in the grand struggle for freedom, 
on the ground that b}' helping to free Russia the}- help to free their unhappy 
country. They are not mistaken. (Turning to Gryniewicki). No, you and 
your countrj'men are not mistaken, for the two nations that the hateful 
Czardom compelled to fight each other for more than a century — on the 
ruins of the Czar's despotism — on the grave of this hateful tyranny, will 
shake hands as a mark of eternal friendship; and respecting each others 
rights, will work in harmony for the progress and enlightenment of 
humanity. Therefore, brother, don't have any doubts upon that score. 
As soon as we triumph, so soon Poland will be given her share of liberty. 
But now to our object. You are one of us now. You are consigned 
to share the work with Rysakow. You will be informed as soon as the 
details of the coming attempt are arranged. Rysakow will take care 
of you for the few remaining days. The meeting is over. 

They shake hands with each other, and go one b^'^ one. On the stage remains 
Sophie and Alexander. Both make themselves ready for departure very slowly and 
seem very reluctant to leave. As soon as all go, Alexander comes quickh' up 
to her. 

Alexander — Oh, my dear, darling Sophie, how happy I am to be able 
to press you to my heart, to kiss your sweet lips, to call you my own, my 
ver)' own, once more. 

He embraces and kisses her. 

Sophie— I love you, Alexander, I am 3'ours; but oh, I wish 1 had never 
known 3^011. 

Alexander (stepping backwards) — What did you saj'. 

Sophie — I say what I feel. I love you so intensely that this love becomes 
a weakness that degrades me in m}^ own eyes — 5'-es, degrades me, for one 
who wishes to devote himself entireh' to the cause of the freedom of Russia 
ought to crush all personal feeling, and love only and solely the cause 
to which he is espoused. 

Alexander (humbly kissing her hand) — Don't grudge me your sweet 
love, beloved, because it was the cause of mj' moral redemption. Before I 
met you I lead a useless, worthless life, like many other young military men 
of my position, social standing and wealth. Before I met you I had no 
other purpose in life but my own pleasure — didn't think of doing anything 
but to please m\'self. How changed I am now. Since I met you and 
learned to love you, I have become altogether a different man. My love is 
not ordinary. It redeemed me from all my faults and inspired me to all that 
•s good and noble. At present I am ready to sacrifice my w^ealth, my 



-43- 

position, my life, if necessary, for the sake of those for whom you are 
fighting, for the sake of the poor oppressed people. 

Sophie (kissing his forehead)— Your words, dear love, make me happy- 
very happy, indeed. They sound in my ears like sweet music. I am proud 
of j'ou, and I could not wish anything more than the one I love to speak 
as you have. (Knock at the door). Sacha is knocking at the door to let us 
know, in his usual polite way, that it is time to leave, so we must part, 
dear. Good-bye. 

Alexander — One more kiss before we part. When can I see you 
again ? 

Sophie — To-morrow night, in the usual place. 

Alexander — Good-night ! Good-night ! " Parting is such sweet sorrow, 
I shall say good-night till it be to-morrow." 

They embrace each other. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT IV. 

Scene 2.— The Stage represents St. Catharines street in St. Petersburg. 
It is a broad street, with magnificent buildings. Men and women are passing 
through the street in silence, but thej- pass on the other side, that is, at the other end 
of the stage. Among the passers-by a military man is seen in the dress of a Russian 
officer, or gendarme. After a minute or two Gryniewicki comes on the front of the 
stage, dressed in the costume of a Russian street cleaner (called, in Russian, dvornik), 
composed of high boots, jacket trimmed with fur, a large apron, folded up as if con- 
taining dirt. He carries a large broom in his hand and sweeps the sidewalk. He 
sweeps for a minute or so in silence. Then conies R3-sakow. Rysakow wears an 
overcoat, has a cane in his hand, and on his head is a high silk hat. Rystikow 
passing Gryniewicki drops his cane as if unintentionally. Gryniewicki turns quickly, 
gets the cane and hands it to Rysakow. Rysakow thanks him for his kindness and 
begins to search his pockets for some change. While he does this he speaks quickly : 

Rysakow — Are you ready ? 

Gryniewicki — Yes. The bomb is in my apron. 

Rysakow — My bomb is under cover inside of my hat. Remember that 
Perowska is going to give us the signal. She is waiting now in the hack. 
As soon as the Czar's carriages start she will ride before them carrying a 
white handkerchief near her face. This is the signal. I will take off my hat 
before the Czar's carriages, as all do. Instead of putting it on my head I 
will throw it under his carriage. If he is not killed, then you will have to 
act. I will be located not far from here. 

Gryniewicki — But suppose I am not able to kill him, either, what then ? 

Rysakow — Sacha, who acts as the hackman, will be on hand. He has 
in his possession a bomb, and has also the courage to complete the good 
■jwork we begin. The Czar must die. 

He hands him some money, which Gryniewicki receives with a low bow. There 
noi.«'* ^ »^J'0"v j-i^g stage. 

rROLOVjjarlj ! I think the carriage is coming. Be ready I 
Ivanow 

id the stage. Gryniewicki sweeps on as if nothing was going to 

They all 'is heard nearer and nearer. He stops sweeping, gets out his pi])e 

st as he lights his pipe the hack — a Russian hack, such as are seen 



-44— 

on the streets of Petersburg— passes through the street. Sacha acts as driver, 
dressed in the usual Russian driver's costume. It has only one occupant, Sophie 
Perowska, who looks neither to the right nor left. She holds in her hand a 
white handkerchief, and, as they pass from one side of the stage to the other, she 
wipes her face. Behind the stage, in a minute or two, a great noise is heard. Music 
begins to play Russian national air, " God Save the Czar." The noise, such as usually 
^ comes from carriages and the horses' hoofs, is hicreasing. The cries, " Long live the 
Emperor!" "Long life to his gracious majesty, the Czar!" are heard behind the 
stage. Then the frightful explosion is heard, and cries. On the stage darts Rysakow, 
bareheaded. He is surroitnded by a mob of eight or nine men, in the usual civil 
dress, who hold him. Some beat him, some crj', " Oh, you rascal ! We will tear you 
to pieces!" Rysakow wants to break away, but cannot, Then comes the Czar, 
dressed in military costume. Behind him is seen General Terentjew, Prince Alexan- 
der and some more military men, two or three gendai-mes, and three or four Cossacks 
on horseback show themselves upon the stage. The Czar, seeing how they handle 
Rysakow, walks a few steps to the front of the stage. 

Czar— Do not harm that man. He will be punished for what he has 
done. At present do not molest him. Let him be delivered into the hands 
of justice. 

While he is speaking, the gendarmes surround Rysakow and lead him behind the 
curtain. 

Terentjew (calling aloud)— Carriage for his majesty ! Quick ! 

The noise is heard and the carriage, drawn with two horses, comes on the 
stage. The doors of the carriage are thrown open. Terenjew, Prince Alexander, 
and Ivanow stand near the carriage door. 

Terentjew— All is ready, your imperial highness. 

The Czar takes off his cap and crosses himself in the style of the Greek Catholics, 
from the right shoulder. 

Czar — Thank God Almighty, that He has saved me again. 

As soon as these words fall from his lips, from the opposite curtain comes 
Gryniewicki. He is dressed like before, only without broom. 

Gryniewicki (takes the bomb out from his folded apron)— Not yet, 
you accursed tyrant ! 

He throws the bomb under the Czar's feet. The Czar falls. Gryniewicki and 
some of the gendarmes are killed by the explosion. Among the spectators who were 
gathered, Sophie Perowska is seen. After the explosion of the bomb she makes a 
step as if to ascertain if the Czar, whom Prince Alexander, Terentjew and Ivanow 
surround, is really killed. Terentejew takes off his military- cloak, in which the 
Czar is being wrapped. 

Ivanow (sees Sophie coming a step or two nearer, and in one instant 
he comes up to her and seizes her by the wrist) — Girl, who are 3'ou ? 

Sophie— Let me go ; it is not your business. 

Ivanow— How dare you speak in that way to me— you (looking at her 
attentively). Yes, I am sure I have seen you riding before our carriages in 
a hack. 

Prince Alexander (coming forward)— Let go that girl, Ivanow. 

Ivanow— (looking at him)— Why so ? 

Prince Alexander — Because she is innocent. 

Ivanow — But how do you know? Do you know her? 

Prince Alexander— No ; that is, yes; I know her, and I c( 
to let her go. 

Ivanow— I refuse ! It won't hurt to investigate if she is in 
horrible crime or not. Remove this girl, some of you ; gen 
forward. 



-45- 

Prince Alexander pushes back Ivanow and the gendarmes, and stands by Sophie. 
He has a pistol in his hand. 

Prince Alexander — Anyone who will dare to lay hands on this girl will 
be a dead man. 

General Terentjew — Prince, be ashamed of yourself! Let that girl 
go. Are 3'ou mad ? And all this in the presence of his majesty, lying dead 
or maybe mortal! wounded. Cease that disgraceful strife. 

With the help of some gendarmes, he carries the Czar into the carriage. By that 
time, when Terentjew puts the Czar in the carriage, two gendarmes, obeying the 
orders of Ivanow, laj' hands on Perowska. Prince Alexander shoots twice. One 
gendarme falls dead, another is wounded. 

Ivanow— He is a traitor, kill him ! 

He takes out his sabre. Gendarmes and Cossacks on horseback surround Alex- 
ander, who shoots again. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT. V. 

Scene 1.— The stage represents the prison where the captured Nihilists 
are confined. It is divided into two parts. One part looks like a court 
room where political prisioners are tried, as, according to the law, all political 
trials are held, verdicts given and executed in secret. The other part is only a sort 
of ante-room furnished only with benches around the walls. A table stands in one 
comer. Around it are sitting hangman Frolow, and two gendarmes, Sukin and 
Blochow. Upon the table stands a big flask with whiskey glasses, a loaf of black 
bread and a small plate with salt. As soon as the curtain rises, the trio sitting 
around the table raise their glasses, drink the draught, and sing some song 
with a melancholy Russian tune. After they have sung a few stanzas, Ivanow 
enters. 

Ivanow (severely) — Cease that singing you fools! If I wasn't as «oft- 
hearted as I am, I ought to have punished you all for your want of icspv t 
to the memory of our martyred, saintly master. 

He takes off his hat and devoutly crosses himself The others follow his 
example. 

Frolow— Ah, yes, captain! When I think of how our beloved master 
was martyred, I feel faint at heart, almost ready to cry : " I must cheer my- 
self up." 

He fills his glass and the two gendarmes follow his example. 

Frolow — Would you take a drop of it, Captain. 

Ivanow (with great dignit\-) — Well, I won't mind taking a little. 

Frolow fills a glass for him. All take the glasses in hands. 

Frolow (raising his glass) — My regards. Captain. 
Ivanow — The same to you. 

They all drink and put down their glasses. 



-46- 

Blochow — When 1 think of what happened, I wonder in my foolish 
mind wh}- God Ahnighty has permitted such a horrible deed. 

Frolow — God's will cannot be comprehended or understood by us. 

IvANOw — Yes, but in this case it is unjust. Instead of allowing such a 
deed to pass, God ought to have visited these wretches with a most terrible 
death. 

Frolow — Don't blaspheme, father. I have to cheer mj-self up again a 
little. (He fills his glass.) Take another drop. Cap. (Tolvanow.) 

IvANOw (hesitating) — Yes, but just a drop; I have to quit drinking, 
since my promotion. 1 cannot drink like those beasts (pointing at the two 
gendarmes who are filling their glasses.) 

Both Gendarmes— Just so, \'our honor. 

Frolow — All right, father, just as you sa}'. 

He fills tlie glass full to the brim and hands it over to Ivauow, who takes it 
without seeming to notice that the glass is filled contrary to his orders. Frolow', 
glass in liahd, rises. The gendarmes follow his example. 

Frolow — Gentlemen, I call you gentlemen, as all the Czar's servants are 
such, I take the liberty of proposing to you that you drink the health of 
Captain Ivanow, who displayed such remarkable skill in capturing one of 
the worst Nihilists, that girl called Perowska. May he live ahundred years 
and become chief of police of St. Petersburg. Hurrah for gallant Captain 
Ivanow. 

Both Gendarmes — Hurrah ! Hurrah ! 

The}' drink and sit down again. 

Ivanow [seemingl}' pleased] — Thank you, my friends— I have done all I 
could to deserve promotion, and the highest words of favor which were 
spoken to me b}' our beloved martyred Czar. 

He takes oft' his military cap, crosses himself in the Gi'eek Catholic style. All 
follow his example. 

Blochow — There is not the least doubt that his honor, the Captain, is a 
master in everything. Nobody can equal him. 

SuKiN— Just think of the masterly way he captured that wench, 
Perowska and killed her lover. 

Ivanow [pretending to be modest] — Well, I know a thing or two — I 
cannot deny that, and I know the world a little, and have seen something 
of it, too. Being on guard near the carriage of the martyred Czar [takes 
off his cap and crosses himself; all follow his example], I noticed at not a 
great distance, a hack, to which I didn't pay any attention at first, but just 
when our carriages were starting", a young girl entered and drove off a ta furi- 
ous pace, so that, even if I tried, I could riot catch them , for the hack, as I could 
see, was drawn by splendid throughbreds. and, besides, I had to ride as 
slow as the impei-ial carriages. I kept my eye on the hack, which had 
aroused m}' suspicion, and noticed that the girl took out a white handker- 
chief. . Then came the terrible accident. When our saintly and martyred 
master [takes off his cap, the others follow his example] was bleeding to death, 
I noticed a girl standing not far off. Of course I could not tell whether 
that was the same girl who rode in the hack, but for the fact that she held 
a white handkerchief. Why she held that handkerchief still, I cannot tell. 
Perhaps she forgot all about it in the excitement of the moment — or God 
had taken her reason so that she shoidd be caught and punished. As soon 
as my eyes rested on her, and especially 6n that handkerchief, I suspected 
that something was wrong — so I wanted to arrest her. That traitor, I 



-47- 

belicve her lover and associate in crime, l*rince Alexander, interfered. Hut 
it did'nt help either of them, as they got the worst of the fij^ht. 

Frolow— Was he killed there? 

IvA.NOW— No! But he is wounded and cannot live, for which 1 am 
sorr}', for I would prefer that he should live, for he would make a fine toy 
for you, Frolow, old man. 

Frolow— Don't mind me, Cajjtain, I will yet have many such to toy 
with. 

IVANOW— No doubt of it— yes, you will get that girl. She will make a 
splendid toy to put in the noose. She is a regular beauty, she is, 1 tell you. 
Frolow. Besides, you will have another— Rysakow. So you will not be 
kept in idleness now, friend Frolow. 

Frolow— Let us cheer ourselves up a little, then. 

He fills a glass for himself and Ivanow. The gendarmes llll <'.i<li ("i liiitisrll. 
Frolow rises and hands a glass to Ivanow, who takes it. 

Frolow — Here is a go. Cap. and comrades. 

They all drink and pxit down the glasses. • 

Frolow (standing)— Speaking of these scaffold toys, I tell you, Cap., 
that I have had them in my time, countless. Yes (he ponders a second). 1 
am sure that I would not be able to cram all whom I have had the pleasure 
of treating to a necktie party in ten such rooms as this. I could tell you 
stories about them which would seem like fairy tales. Yes. it is so aKvays 
with me when I have to hang a man wdio walks bravely on the scaflbld, 
whose eyes are clear and straight, head elevated proudly, I think to myself. 
I am sorry for you, sir, you deserve to live; and I whisper to him to give out 
all the air from' his lungs. Then I put the rope around his neck and give it 
such a jerk that his neck is broken, and he dies at once. On the other hand, 
when I see a cow^ard, his limbs shaking, his teeth chattering, his eyes almost 
bulging from his head with fear, I am so angry that I always kick him once 
or twice, and then in giving the jerk I do it slowly, so that he has to suffer 
sometimes for fifteen minutes before he dies. Why should a man be afraid 
so much to die? Fear cannot save from death, and a man possessed with 
fear calls forth my utmost contempt, and. in my estimation, is not entitled 
to be called a man. 

He puts his hand on Ivanow's shoulder for a minute or so. 

Believe me. Cap., death by the rope is not as terrible as it seenis to be. 
When they put the rope around your neck and give you a jerk, you feel as 
if somebody had knocked you on the licad with a hammer, your heart 
begins to beat quickly, and your hands— which are pinicmcd behind your 
back— arc trying to free themselves in vain, then you feel a noise in your 
ears, a mist comes before your eyes, and for a moment you will feel so happy 
that no mortal words can ever describe— then all is over. This is exactly 
how a man dies from hanging. What is terrible in it? And, besides all 
this, what is this life that man should be so much afraid to die? I don't 
think that there is much to live for in this life. 1 always will remember 
what one of my friends used to say, a soldier who killed his superior in the 
army— a fine, brave man. 1 hanged him. and he taught me that life is but 

"A tear, a smile, 
A ver}' short while ; 
A rest after strife— 
That's all that's Hfe." 



-48- 

I believe that I would hang myself, too, if it was not for whiskey and 
the girls. I love the girls and enjoy my glass, which adds a little to the 
enjoyment of this life. I have been speaking so long, Captain, that I 
feel very thirsty. 

He fills the glasses, they drink. Fi-olow begins Lo sing another love song, with 
a melancholy Russian tune- 
Off to the war 

Now I must go, 
Fight for my country 

And you dear ; 
Ifl should fall 

In main I will call 
The blessings on my country 

And you, dear. 

They all join, except Ivanow, who make a gesture signifying his displeasure at 
their singing, but as they didn't seem to paj' any attention, he leaves them 
and goes to the other room (the other half of the stage), which represents a court. 
Portraits of the Czar and some of his family are hanging on the walls. While the 
singing is going on, Ivanow sits on one of the chairs. As soon as it is over, 
he gets up. 

Ivanow— What is the reason they don't come? The Lord Chief Justice 
signified his intention to be here, and (he pulls his watch), it is fifteen 
minutes past the time. (After a minute or so). Ah ! I hear footsteps ; may 
be they are coming. 

While he is speaking those in the other apartment, Frolow and the two 
gendarmes, after they are through singing, begin to drink whiskey, break the dry 
bread, dip it in the plate with salt and eat of it. 

Enter Zelechowsky and six other judges. They are all dressed like himself, in 
the costumes of English jurors. Zelechowsky has a golden medal hanging on 
a thick chain on his breast and a roll of paper in his hand. Behind them enter 
two soldiers with rifles, who station themselves near the doors. Ivanow is 
standing in military fashion. Zelechowsky sits on the seat of justice, the six 
others around the table which is covered with books, papers, inkstands, etc. 

Zelechowsky — Captain Ivanow, bring in the prisoner. 

Ivanow (saluting him in a military fashion) — I will, your excellency. 

He makes a military turn and marches to that room where Frolow and the 
gendarmes are sitting, closing the doors behind him. He seems to say something 
to the gendarmes. Blochow and Sukin instantly jump from the table and go away 
with Ivanow. Frolow, when alone, makes for the whiskey and finds the bottle 
empty. He looks around as if to see ,that nobody is present, then carefully takes 
another fi-om his high boots and takes a pull right from the flask, which lasts fifty 
or sixty seconds. He then pats himself on the stomach and takes another pull as 
long as the first. Again he rests awhile, then again he drinks, till at last he hears 
footsteps. He stops drinking, corks his bottle, puts it in the same place, and sits 
down on the bench. Enter Ivanow fii'st, with a bare sword, behind him Rysakow 
and Perowska between Sukin and Blochow, who carry their sabres the same 
as Ivanow. Behmd them are two soldiers v^ith rifles. While this is going on 
in that part of the stage, in the other at the same time the following transpires : As 
soon as Ivanow leaves to execute orders— 

Zelechowsky [looking at the others sitting motionless]— Esteemed 
gentlemen of the jury, you no doubt perfectly agree with the verdict upon 

the two criminals? 

All bow their heads in silence. 

One speaks— Yes, your excellency, we arc perfectly aware that the ver- 
dicts in this case, as in any other, concerning political criminals are given by 



— I'J- 

tlic hi;^licst cuuiL— tliaL wc arc simply to obey — to repeat the orders which 
it may please the highest imperial judge to give us. 

Zivl-i;ciro\vsKY — I thank you, sir, for the right interpretation oi my 
thoughts. I will make a very favorable report of your willingness to serve 
the interests of the country and its ruler. [All bow their iieads]. I have no 
doubt, it will not pass unnoticed by the highest personage. [They bow 
again.] Our sitting here for the purpose of trying the cases of Perowska 
and Rysakow — bv the strength of the ukuz issued by our most gracious and 
imperial martyr, 

He takes otV his jmlicial cap, and bows low, the others following his exuniplc. 
The two soldiers standinj^ motionless near the doors present their .-uins. 

is merely a matter of form. 

Every Nihilist, no matt«?r whether his crime is small or great, is doomed. 
Besides this, as you all know, the crimes of both are apparent. Rysakow 
was caught red handed, and Perowska— though her guilt in that horrible 
crime is not proven, we know that she did belong to that horrible secret 
order, and this is quite sufficient cause for us to sentence her to death. [All 
bow their heads.] This highest and most wise ukuz provides that all 
persons who may be suspected of having any connection with that society 
shall be compelled, if possible, to tell what they know, having the 
power vested in us to use the most extreme measures to accomplish our 
purpose. So in the present case, besides sentencing them to death, we will 
try to extort from them all the knowledge the\' may have about their 
associates who are still at large. The highest orders are that before putting 
them to death they should be tortured, if they will not tell otherwise. I 
hope, gentlemen, that you will agree upon this side of the verdict. 

For a moment they seem as if they hesitated, and they look at each other. 

Zelechowskv [in a severe voice, looking at them with a scowl]. I am 
waiting for your reply? We have no time to waste. Do you agree upon 
this measure, as it is the Czar's wish ! 

One [the same who spoke before says, scarcely audible]— We do I [All 
bow their heads.] 

Zelechowskv— Again I thank you, gentlemen. As long as Russia has 
such brave and noble citizens and patriots as you are, so long she is safe. 
I will see to it that your loyality will not pass unnoticed. 

Just at this time enter Ivanow, Rysakow and Perowska between Sukin and 
Blochow, and behind them two soldiers with rifles. The soldiers station themselves 
near the door that leads to the other room— so that they face the other two soldiers 
at the opposite door. Rysakow and Perowska sit on the defendents" bench. On one 
side stands Sukin, at the other Blochow, both with bare swords. Ivanow puts his 
sabre in the sheath as soon as they take their places. The two gendarmes follow his 
example. 

Zelechowski— Prisoners, you arc accused of a horrible crime, which is 
without parallel in the history of our country. You deserve to be punished 
without any process of the law, but his imperial highness, the present most 
gracious Czar, Alexander III. [he bowed his head low, the rest of the judges 
follow his example, all the four soldiers on guard present their arms, 
Ivanow and the two gendarmes salute in a military fashion, by putting 
their right hand to the right side at their caps] wants to show, even to you, 
unworth}' as you are, his highest impartiality, and to you are given the 
most fair and impartial trial that you could possibly get in the whole of 
Russia. [Pointing to the six men.] These are your jurors, your own peers, 
impartial anc' generous-minded citizens, well known and rl-spcctcd in St. 



-50- 

Petersburg, who will render, no doubt, a fair, just and impartial verdict. 
Prisoners, what have you got to say to the charges, well known to you, no 
doubt. It would be useless to repeat them in detail. , I will therefore omit all 
the unnecessary' phraseology and ask you: Are you guilty or not guilty ? 
What have you to say in your defense ? 

The two sitting on the bench seem to speak to each other, as if consulting one 
another. 

Zelachowski— Well, then, we are waiting. 

Perowska [rises from the bench] — Gentlemen of the jury: We don't 
want to say anything to this man on the bench, for he is one of the Czar's 
henchmen and follows blindly the tyrant's orders. 

Zelkchowski [interrupting] — Prisoners, I warn you not to use such 
language, for if you do so again, you will be denied the privilege to speak. 

Perowska-^I will speak as I please, and you will not prevent me speak- 
ing as long as I remain here. If you want me to cease, order j'our soldiers 
to remove me. Yes, I will speak, and I will tell you more! I will say that 
this trial is a sham and a farce, for a verdict was given before we were 
brought in here — before you, gentlemen, were sent for, and ordered to sit on 
the jur3^ Yes, the verdict was made, and that verdict was "death!" I 
know that well, and my comrade knows it. I will, therefore, not for a 
moment, think that anything I can say may change this verdict in the most 
trivial respect. I cannot change it ! You cannot change it ! Nobody can 
change it! For such are the tyrant's orders. I want onh^ to speak to j'ou 
in the hope that my^ words — words of a woman dying for the freedom of 
Russia — may find some echo in your hearts and souls, may make you feel 
ashamed of yourselves and inspire you to another and better aim in life. 
Men and citizens, you who call yourselves patriots, shame on you ! You are 
realh' well known and respected in St. Petersburg, and yet you allow the 
tvrant to make tools of you — a cover for his dastardly misdeeds ! 

Zelechowski [in a weak voice] — Pray, gentlemen, don't pay any at- 
tention to the words of that girl, who is no doubt demented. If j-^ou wish I 
will have her removed at once. 

But the jurors seem to be carried away b\' the eloquence of Perowska, so much 
so that they pay no attention to Zelechowski, but seem to wait eagerlj'' for what 
she has to say. 

Perowska — Some time ago, the Czar, at the instigation of Katkow, 
passed the ukaz by' which every Nihilist is punished, if not with death, then 
at least with imprisonment for life. This is most unjust, for \-ou do not 
have to prove the fact of one's beiag a Nihilist, but simply act on suspicion. 
What a large field was opened for the jDolice and others to tyranize over 
those for whom they may have some personal spite. The happiness of 
thousands of families can be destroyed by the suspicion or spite of some 
dissipated police officer. But this is the Czar's wish, he who pretends to 
have in view the happiness of his subjects or rather slaves, provided 
another, equally "just. " Men, hear me well. Tortures shall be used for the 
purpose of extorting knowledge from political criminals. The tortures in 
the nineteenth century ! In the age of the greatest discoveries, in the age 
when human rights, human freedom, and justice to all, are household words 
in every more or less civilized country. Tortures for the government's pur- 
poses are to be used. 

One OF THE JURORS WHO spoke before— How do vou know? 
Perowska — We know it all. If they are strong, we are strong, too. We 
have far- reach ng hands and ff^r-seeing eves, J Ivhow i,t, and you 



-51- 

know it too, or else you will liiid it otit. But such knowledge is not 
desired, neither by the government nor by sueh of its henchmen as this one 
over there (pointing to Gryniewitzki). They want to throw sand in the 
eyes of the Russian people, as well as in the eyes of those of neighboring 
countries. This government pretends to be civilized, to ])c just, to be fair! 
The}' will never permit the fact to become known that such a law as the 
ukaz lately issued, exists, and to cover it up, they pretend to give fair trials. 
They use their jury. The}' use you — well known and respected as you are. 
We are sentenced to death the very moment we arc imprisoned. Before that 
we may perhaps be tortured for the purpose of eliciting all that we know. 
But they would never permit it to become known, and so they call you to 
pass judgment on us, simply because, in case some of our comrades, still liv- 
ing and at large, hear of what has transpired here, and herald it in some of 
the foreign papers, they may call it a lie and use j'ou as witnesses. This is 
the purpose exactly for calling 3'ou here, gentlemen of the jury, and j'ou aid 
these dastardly and pernicious h\'pocrites — you who, instead, ought to give 
us a heljjing hand in the grand struggle for the freedom of Russia. You are 
here to decide whether we are guilty or not guilty. I will help \'ou in your 
decision. Yes, I am guilty I My comrade? Y'^es, he is guilty, too. I helped 
the last attempt to the utmost of my aliility. If he had not been successful, 
I would have thrown the bomb myself. I would, and I am ready to tear 
the tyrant limb from limb with my own hands, weak as they seem to be ! 

One of the jurors, seeming to forget all about himself, the one who spoke before, 
asks : 

Why ? 

Perowska — Why, you ask? I will tell you. I have no personal feelings 
against the tyrant whom you call "most gracious Czar." No! I belong, 
as )'OU know, to one of the most aristocratic famiHes in Russia. My uncle 
was a secrtary of state, m}' father a governor of Orlow. Under this regime, 
my famih'and myself could enjoA'life; could use the wealth and power better 
than under any other political system. If I fight this system of absolute 
monarchy, if I teel such an unbounded aversion for its representative, the 
'■'.ar, it is not on account of any personality — it is wholly on behalf of 

'-S. How^ can I be happ\- and contented when I see that the system 
"crnment which gives power and wealth to nie and to others, gives 
■msery, abject poverty, suflferings beyond description to millions? 
pur poor Russian peasant. Listen to him. Hear his song, 
f systematical oppression are depicted on his wrinkled face and 
hi. n. He walks with head bowed down — he dare not raise it, dare 

not . straight in the face! He is kept from generation to generation 

in con. ar, in the most slavish submission. When he sj)eaks, his everv 

word. e\ xpression is an unintentional complaint againse his fate. He 

has no jo . o happiness, no hope whatever. All his life, from the cradle 
to the grav. j)erj)etual suffering. Hear his song. What a wail of agony, 
what a heart Dreaking cry of misery ! In these songs are crystalized the tears 
which the peasants have ^hed for centuries. Yes! No one can hear the 
heart-breaking peasants' songs and feel unmoved, except it be the ruler of 
Russia, the absolute Czar, for whom the sufferings, cries and tears of the 
people are like sweet music! Men, you who are brought here to pose as a 
jury, you want to know why I hate the Czar so much? Why I am ever 
ready to kill him, to tear him limb from limb? Because the Czar, or rather 
the system of absolute government that hecreates,is the cause of the abject, 
destitute condition of the millions — because he is the cause of the tears, the 
sufferings and the untold miseries of millions of jieople — because he renders 



—52— 

all the ways and means of bettering the position of the people impossible. 
He levies such heavy taxes that the people are always unable to pay them, 
and in order to compel them to pay, in order to keep them in this abject 
submission, he keeps an enormous army, purposely and solely to put down 
ever}' outbreak which may occur. There is no way to help the people. 
Education is either denied to them, or else restricted in such a way as to 
make it impossible for the peasants to obtain it. The whole press is muzzled 
and dares not express its opinion. We have no right to think, to speak, to 
feel otherwise than to please the government. The slightest disobedience is 
punished with almost wild ferocity, as most grave offenses. What, then, 
remains for those who cannot reconcile themselves to such degradation, 
morally and mentally, who, in a word, refuse to be slaves? What remains, 
I ask, for those who cannot bear the sufferings, the oppression, the tears of 
the Russian peasants? Nothing but to declare war — unmerciful, cruel— the 
same as it is practiced by the government. For every man and woman in 
Russia who does not want to be slaves — who are true patriots, real men, 
women and citizens — remains nothing btit to become Nihilists ! This is why 
I have become one ! This is why I fought the Czar, why I took part in Viis 
assassination, which was the most noble, most heroic and just act ever 
accomplished in the history of Russia. I have done this because I couldn't 
bear the tears, the cries and complaints ot the poor Russian peasants — 
because I- wanted to teach them how to throw off the hateful, degrading 
yoke of slavery and become men, citizens, human beings. 

One of the Jurors- This is Utopian, an iridescent dream. You will 
perish as have thousands of others before you, and accomplish nothing. 

Perowska— You call it Utopian, why? Because the Czar is so strong in 
the ignorance and fanaticism of the poor people, who for centuries were 
compelled to regard the Czar as the very personification of God on earth. 
You call it an iridescent dream, because the Czar has thousands of armed 
men who would put you and me and everyone disobedient to his wish to 
death! No, men, you are mistaken. The Czar's power, with the system of 
absolutism, will be swept like a small cabin bv the mighty hurricane, when 
the thought of freedom will pierce the hearts and souls oisuch as you, who 
constitute the respectable, the educated, the middle class of Russia, an(* 
who, being as you are, cowards at heart, dare not yet disobey the tyr? 
even if you are convinced of his wrong-doings. The time has not 3'et c 
The tj-rant has power still to do what he pleases, and to shed as much 
as he thinks necessarj^ for his safety! But it will come! Men an ' 
die, but grand, progressive ideas, never! They live forever 
immortal, and every sacrifice made for their sake instead of ret.' .y 

helps to hasten the grand and glorious time. Every Nihilist • ^ for 

the sake of Russian freedom, spreads our ideas; every death, < lurdcr 

committed for the sake of it, brings our country a step 1 . to our 

ultimate desire — the overthrow of the absolute monarchy! E you, men, 
who were selected to witness my death, as well as that of n jomrades — 
when 3'ou go forth from here you will be changed in heart. IN y words will 
ring in your ears and re-echo in your hearts till the end of 3'our days I [She 
raises her eyes as if in sudden revelation]. And with my e^'es \\ hich soon 
will be dim forever, with my lips which soon will grow cold in death, I 
prophesy and proclaim not only to you but to the whole country that the 
present Czar is the last Romanoft who will rule this countr}' despoticalh'. 

She stops speaking but stands. R\'sakow jumps from the bench, waves his hands 
in triumph and cries 

Rysakow — Death to the tvrant ! Libertv forever! 



Zelechowski jumps from the seat, so do the six jurors. Ivanow and both 
gendarmes grasp their sal)res as if thej-- wei'e going to attack Rysakow \ . 
Perowska. 

Zelechowski— I refuse to let these crazy people speak a word more! 
Let them sit down. 

As they are standingstill, the gendarmes put their sabres back in the sheathes and 
.brce them to sit down. 

Zelechowski (to the jurors) — You can see, gentlemen of the jury, the 
wisdom of our government, which doesn't allow these dangerous cranks a 
public trial. Why, I believe if ten hundred people had heard this 
woman they would be apt to leel convinced with her false logic and 
inflammatory expressions. Yes, to try the Nihilists in public would be no 
more nor less than to assist and shield Nihilism. We want no more of her 
talk here. As I have no doiibt that you, gentlemen of the jury, are ready to 
render your verdict, we will, therefore, go to an adjoining room for 
consultation. 

He moved a step but all the jurors remain standing motionless. Zelechowski 
looks at them in surprise. 

Why do you hesitate? Didn't you hear her admit her guilt with her 
own lips? Don't you know that your hesitation looks as if you approved 
of her most abusive and criminal words! If for nothing else than the 
words uttered just now, she ought to be punished ! Well, then ? (threat- 
eningly). 

One of the Jurors — We don't hesitate, only we feel a little bewil- 
dered. 

Zelechowski — Come, then, it will pass over. 

Zelechowski and the six jurors go behind the curtains. As they go, all the 
soldiers present their rifles and Ivanow and the gendarmes salute them in a military 
fashion, bj^ putting their right hand to the right side of the forehead. While this 
is going on, Perowska and Rysakow, sitting on the bench, speak to each other. 
Rysakow points once or twice to the jurors and says something, with a smile. As 
soon as the^-- are off the stage, Ivanow, who noticed their whispered conversation, 
turns upon them : 

Ivanow (with ironjO — Go on with your charming love-like conversa- 
tion ; whisper into each other's ear like a pair of loving doves. In a short 
time you will be happier still; you will dance a Cossack dance on the rope. 

He tries to kick his feet in the air as if to show how they would act when 
hanging. 

Ha! ha! ha! 

Rysakow (to Perowska)— It depresses me, dear sister, to see that the 
people — the poor people — for whom we sacrifice our lives, hate us, despise 
us, are the first to destro\' us — their real saviors. 

Perowska — Does that really impress you ? Then you would like to have 
been honored — praised. I thought that my comrade was able to sacrifice 
himself for the sake of the truth alone, and have the highest consolation 
derived from the thought that he is really doing good, no matter what it 
brings him. 

Rysakow — Yes, dear, noble Sophie, you are right. But the treatment I 
received at the hands of the populace after the first explosion vas so harsh, 
and now the fierce hate depicted on all their faces makes me suffer very 
keenly — more than the thought of the actual pain which await us. 



Sophie — My poor friend, all our sufferings will end soon. 

Enters Zelechowski (carrying a pile of papers) and the jurors. The soldiers and 
gendarmes salute them as before. They all stand. 

Zelechowski — Gentlemen of the jurj^ you have agreed upon the 
verdict ? 

One of the Jurors— We have. 

Zelechowski — What is the verdict ? 

One of the Jurors [with bowed head and a voice which sounds almost 
like a whisper] — Death ! 

Zelechowski — Gentlemenof the jury, in the name of justice, in the name 
of ^lis majesty, the Czar [he bows his head and the jurors follow his exam- 
ple, the military men salute as before], whom I represent here, I thank you. 
You have performed your task well. All that remains to do now is to read 
to the convicted criminals the verdict. 

He opens the large sheet of officially stamped paper. 

Rysakow — I protest against the verdict. It is unlawful. It is against 
all the laws of civilized countries. 

Zelechowski — Protest as much as you please, it won't help you in the 
least. I will ask you, however, to be quiet for a moment, till I read the 
verdict to you. 

Perowska — We refuse to listen to anything. I will not hear your 
verdict. 

Rysakow^ — Neither will I. You may keep the verdict for future reference. 

Zelechowski (in a furious rage, folding the paper) — Then you will hear 
something else, you dastardly murderers. (Pointing at Rysakow.) Take 
him at once, and if he don't tell 3^ou all he knows about the whole rascally 
set, let Frolow use him. Is Frolow in readiness? 

IvANOW (saluting) — Yes, your excellency. 

Zelechowski — Away, then, with him at once. We will see if that theat- 
rical bravery of his lasts long. 

The two gendarmes take hold of Rysakow and force him to the adjoining room, 
where Frolow remained all the time. He amuses himself either by drinking the 
remainder of his whisky or pretending to sleep. When Ivanow and the gendarmes 
force R^^sakow into the room, Frolow^ is half lying, and on perceiving them jumps to 
his feet. They speak, make suitable gestures, and all go behind the curtain. As soon 
as Rysakow and the gendarmes are out of sight, Zelechowski turns to Perowska. 

Zelechowski — Sophia Perowska, you would be humbled, too, in the 
same way as your dastardlj' associate, but in respect for your father and 
for your uncle, who are bowed down with grief on hearing of your crime. 
Have you anything to ask from the Czar's mercy ? Remember that the Czar 
is all merciful. 

Sophie Perowska — Yes! I have had a ver}' fair example of that before 
my very eyes. No, I have nothing to ask. (She hesitates.) Yes! I would 
— like to ask a question. 

She speaks as if she was ashamed. 

Zelechowski — Speak out. If it be in my power I will answer all. 

Sophie (speaking slowly and hesitatingly) — Is Prince Alexander, who 
was wounded at the time when I was arrested, alive? 

Zelechowski — I don't see an\' reason why I should not answer that. 
Yes, I will tell you. He died this morning from the wound received during 
that fieht at the time of your arrest. 



Perowska [with clenched fists as one in despair] — Dead! Alexander 
dead ! 

Zelecaowski — Yes. he is dead. And yon, Sophia Perowska (raising 
his hand), prepare yourself, too, for death. 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



Scene 2. — The stage represents the room in prison which is known as 
the death'room, where all those w^ho are sentenced to death are put before they are 
taken to the scaffold. The walls are black; nothing in the room except the black 
bench upon which Rysakow is sitting, or rather half lying. He is pale; his open 
shirt is sprinkled with blood. He is too weak to raise himself. Perowska is kneel- 
ing before him, and holds one of his hands in hers. The door with the iron bars, the 
only one which leads to the room, is guarded by the death w^atch, a soldier with a 
rifle on his shoulder, who passes up and down before this door. 

Perowska — Courage! Cheer up, dear comrade. We will show the 
hateful tyrant how those who fight for the rights of the people can die! 

Rysakow (in a weak voice) — Ah, sister! You have not passed through 
the terrible ordeal I have undergone. You cannot know, therefore, how 
weak I am. These sufferings ! I wonder how I could have stood them 
and be alive vet ! Y'es, I live yet, but oh, how broken I feel in my spirits as 
well as in my body. 

Perowska [rising from her kneeling posture, but still retaining his 
hand] — You speak thus, Rysakow, who were foremost in the battle against 
despotism — who didn't flinch to meet the tyrant face xo face! 

Rysakow (in the same tone) — I despise myself. I know that I am falling 
low, but I cannot regain that moral strength which has deserted me. I 
cannot ! 

Perowska (dropping his hand) — Then, perhaps, thesufterings which you 
have undergone have broken your spirits so much that you will betray all 
our secrets ? 

All the remaining energy which was left in him \vas aroused at these words. 
Mustering all his strength, he rises himself to a sitting posture. 

Rysakow — Be silent! How dare you sa}' this ! Your supposition will 
embitter my last moments. Rysakow sooner will dig his grave with his 
own hands and will bmw himself rather than betray even one of his com- 
rades! 

He falls back as if exhausted. Perowska kisses his forehead. She kneels down 
again and takes his hand. 

Perowska — Forgive me. I cannot tell how happ}- your words have 
made me. Have you, my dear brother, a mother living still ? 

Ryskow (in a firmer weak voice) — Y'es, I have. 

Perowska (caressing his hair) — Do you love her ? 

Rysakow (in a dreamy voice) — Do I love her? How can you ask such a 
question f Yes, I loye her — now as much as when I was n little boy. I feel 



—56- 

like a boy again, and I see her now as I used to in childhood. My dear, 
dear mother, in her great chair near the burning stove, from which the red 
light falls upon her beloved head like a hoi}- halo, crowning her with diadem 
of patience, sweetness, forgiveness, charity— all that could make the human 
soul sublime! 

Perowska (rising)— Then hear me, brother. It is not I, but your 
mother — your beloved mother — that speaks to you now and begs of you to 
die like a hero of liberty— like a true patriot of Russia. 

A voice is heard behind the doors, To the iron doors on the other side comes 
the turnkey, with a large bunch of keys with which he openes the doors. Behind him 
are a Russian priest, Frolow with two of his helpers, Ivanow and soldiers. As soon 
as the door is open enter first the priest, carrying in his hand a cross made in the 
Greek Catholic style, then Ivanow and Frolow with his two assistants. Behind 
them comes a soldier who, after the military salute to the soldier on guard, takes 
his place, relieving him of dtity. The one who stood guard leaves by the open door, 
and the new one takes his place. From the open door are seen soldiers standing, and 
the tumkej' with the keys. 

Ivanow (pointing to Rysakow) — From this soul you have to expel the 
devil, my good man Frolow. 

Frolow— Never mind, Catinchka. We will do the job nicely. (To the 
assistants.) Boys, take him ! 

Rysakow (overcome by fear) — What ! Have these people come for me? 
Oh, have mercy ! I have suffered enough ! 

Ivanow (ironically) — I see that the poor soul is afraid of your baptism, 
old man. I am afraid you will have to apply the customary medicine in 
such cases and give him a few sound kicks. 

Frolow (laying his hands on Rysakow)— We will manage him; never 
fear. (To Rysakow)— Keep quiet, won't 3fou ? 

Rysakow pushes him back with a sudden and unexpected strength and 
vStands up. 

Rysakow — Keep off your hands from me, you scoundrels! I will walk 
alone to the scaffold. (To Perowska). Sophie, forgive my momentary 
weakness, and good-bye forever. [He extends his hand, which she grasps 
for a moment]. Lead me now, quick! I am afraid of another attack of 
similar weakness, and I want to die like a brave man ! 

He takes the friend's offered arm, and accompanied by Frolow and his assistants, 
they go out of the door. All who were standing behind the door follow them. On 
the stage besides Perowski remain Ivanow and the soldier on guard. The doors 
are left open. Ivanow, coming a step nearer to Perowska, who stands motionless. 

Ivanow — Well, my girl, how do you like Frolow for a bridegoom ? He 
is not very nice looking, that's true ; but I tell you everyone whom he 
embraces lovingly will never forget him, never. Ha ! ha! ha! 

She disdains to paj"- any attention to his sneers, either by word or look. He goes 
away slowlj^ looking at her. After he is gone she seats herself on the bench. By 
the same door enters Chief Justice Zelechowski, before whom the soldiers on guard 
present arms. 

Zelechowski — Convicted woman, I have come to speak to you for the 
last time. Your complication in that sad, horrible crime was not clearlv 
proven. You are guilty more in words and in thoughts than in deeds. 
Besides, we know that you have belonged to that horrible body of openly 
declared murderers, and so for this we have justly and rightly sentenced 
you to death. 



-57- 

Perowska— Have you come to tell me that again ? If so, then go ! I 
have had enough of that ! Go and let me die in peace ! 

Zelechowski — You stubborn, unrelenting woman ! I didn't come here 
to tell you only that. I have come to tell you something more. I have 
come to tell you that the mercy of his most gracious majestj', the present 
Czar of Russia [he bows his head, the soldier on guard presents arms] is 
unbounded. Your uncle and your father, both grief-strickeo, are besieging 
the Imperial palace day and night on your behalf. As I said before, your 
complication in that horrible crime was not clearly proven; you come from 
such a respected family, and besides even the jurors who rendered this most 
just verdict, went to our highest ruler in a body and begged him to com- 
mute the sentence in your case. Taking all this into consideration, his 
most gracious majest}', the present Czar [he bows his head and the soldier 
salutes as before] decided to change the verdict. 

Perowska, as if she didn't believe that she has heard aright . Changed th^ 
verdict ? 

Zelechowski — Yes, unworthy and undeserving as you are of the 
highest mercy, it was decided to change the verdict of death to banishment 
for life. Your father has given his pledge that he v^ill take you to some 
foreign shore and will never let you show your face in any part of this great 
Russian Empire ! The pardon was obtained on condition 

Perowska — Condition ! What condition ? 

Zelechowski — On the condition that you will sign the petition for 
pardon. In this petition you will swear never, during your life, to have 
anything to do with the Nihilists, no matter in what country you may 
settle; never to aid them in any w^ay; never to hurt the government of 
Russia. In this petition you will renounce your allegiance to that criminal 
secret society forever ; you will condemn all its actions, and most solemnly 
promise to disclose everything that may come to your know^lege in the 
future. 

He unfolds the paper which he held iu his hand. 

Zelechowski — Shall I read this to you word by word ? 

Perowska — No, it is not necessary ; you have made the meaning of that 
petition quite clear to me. Is that all? Is there no other condition for 
obtaining the Czar's pardon ? 

Zelechowski — No, this is the only one. Sign, and you will be free to 
go at once. 

Perowska [rises from the bench] — You say that the condition imposed 
for the obtaining of the Czar's pardon is very mild ; yes, it is so light and 
accommodating that I positively refuse to complj' with it. 

Zelechowski [in great astonishment, making a step backward] — You 
refuse to sign the petition for pardon ? 

Perowska — I do positively ; I would rather die a thousand deaths than 
degrade myself and the memory of all my comrades who died in behalf of 
our great an(f noble cause. 

She takes forcibly the paper firota Zelechowski 's hands, and in tearing it in pieces, 
saj'S : 

Perowska — This is my answer — go ! 

Zelechowski— Yes, I have nothing more to do ; all that remains is the 
hangman's work. 

He exits by th# door. The soldier salutes him as he passes. 



-58- 

Perowska [silent for a moment, makes a step or two]— I could have 
signed this petition [pointing to the fragments of paper lying on the floor]. 
T could prolong my life, but how could I save myself in this way — Never! 
Even if the pardon was offered to me without any condition, I don't think 
that I should care much to live. If he lived, it woiild be different ; but he i^ 
dead. If he lived, I don't think that I would have found so much strength 
to refuse, knowing that by one stroke of my pen I could see him, I could be 
with him. If he lived, I am afraid that the pride of the "priestess of freedom" 
would have given way before " the love of woman." This womanly love is 
a failing which asserts itself even now in the face of death. In my last hour 
I can be nothing more than a weak woman, who feels alone all the pangs 
of love, and suffers at the thought that he is dead. This consciousness of 
toy own weakness is so degrading to me in my own eyes, that I am ready 
to ciirse the day that I was born a woman. 

Enter Pei'owska's father, an old man with a white beard, dressed iu military 
uniform, with many crosses, and with him a nurse, an old woman dressed in a 
picturesque Russian costume. Perowska looks at them in a stupefied way. 

Perowska — Is it a dream or a reality ? Do I see my father and my dear 
nurse, the good Xenia ? Father dearest, is it really you ? 

Father (severely) — Yes, it is I, j'ou ungrateful child ! Yes, it is I, whose 
gray hairs you have disgraced by uniting with a band of murderers. 

Perowska (in a changed tone)— Father, I love you, honor you. I will 
hear patiently all the reproach you may heap upon me, as I know you have 
suffered ; but I wnll not hear a disresiDcctful word against my brothers and 
comrades. 

Father — How dare j^ou, in my presence, call them — 3'^our — brothers? 

Perowska— Yes, dear father— they are! I am proud that lean call 
brothers thousands who perish every year unknown, unrecognized, sacrific- 
ing all they have — wealth and honor, and the pleasures of life, and for what? 
For the freedom of the poor and oppressed peasants! Do you hear, father? 
These are my brothers who fight for the rights, the freedom and for the bread 
of the poor people ! At present they are persecuted and destroyed like wild 
animals ; but the time will come when thc}'^ will gain ascendancy ! As soon 
as the people who are downtrodden, bent down, are ready to follow our lead, 
this tj'ranny will come to an end ; But we — we who are trying to make 
from the small spark existing at present, a burning flame upon the altar of 
freedom, like the priestesses of the West — must be pure, unstillied- must be 
human beings without human weakness, and then we will conquer! 

Father — Whj'^ have you refused the pardon — which I have succeeded in 
obtaining after so much effort. 

Perowska— When I was a little child— so little [she points with her 
hand] you taught me above all, to value honor! You taught me, father, 
to rather loose life then self respect. That was years ago. From a little 
child I have growm up to a woman, but the knowledge you have instilled 
in my mind and heart have become intensified. You ask me why I refused 
the pardon — because if I accepted it under the circumstance, I «vould loose 
mj^ self-respect. I refused it, for I w^as taught by you, father, to die rather 
than to do a dishonorable act ! 

Father— (in tender voice, taking her hand) — Sophie, my child, you do 
not mean what you say — for I am sure that you love your old father a little 
yet — and you would not bring to him such misery, by your obstinate 
refusal. Look at your old nurse [who kneels down before Perowska] almost 
bereft of her reason by grief, who is kneeling before you ! 

Xenia— My child— for I have a right to call yov so — do *iot refuse your 



—59— 

father. Do not refuse me, j'^our old nurse, whose days of life are numbered. 
Sophie, I beg of you to do as we want you. I will die with a blessing lor 
you on my lips, contented and happy that my Sophie has given me a proof 
of her love. 

Perowska — (trying to raise her) — Rise nurse ! Ah ! This is terrible ! 
I cannot stand it. 

Xenia — No ; I will not rise until you grant my prayer. 

Perowska (in determination)— Well, nurse; I will do as you say; but 
remember, the day following that on which I am set free, I will surely kill 
myself. 

Father— Enough of that ! Xenia rise ! (She rises.) I see that we can- 
not change your determination, my daughter. We must part, then — part 
forever! But for the last time we will sit together as in the olden times, 
when you were my little Sophie, nobody's but my own. 

While speaking, he takes her by the arm and leads her to the bench, where they 
sit together. The niirse follows them and sits on the floor at Perowska's feet.) 

Father [puts his arm around her waist] — Come nearer, child, and put 
your beautiful head on my breast. [She complies with his wishes.] My 
daughter, once more rest your head on my breast. Many times have you 
been happy when resting there. Do you remember ? 

Perowska— Yes, father, I do ; and it was the happiest time in my life. 

Father (kissing her) — Yes; it was then that you loved me, indeed. 

Nurse — True, true, master; she loved you very much then; she kissed 
you good-night ever^^ evening, and if you were late attending some enter- 
tainment or other affair, she would not go to sleep. No; she would wait 
for your returning, even until midnight. 

Father— I thought that Sophie would be my joy in my old age. I 
remember you saying many times: "Father, nothing will separate us!" 
Father has remained the same, but the daughter has changed. Yes, Sophie 
has changed, and doesn't lo-ve her father as she used to. [Caresses her 
head.] My child, I pray that God will forgive you, as I do. I forgive you 
freely, and [raising his hands above her head, all the time resting on his 
breastj I bless you. So you are determined to die. You want to be — 
hanged. Want to have a rope around this delicate, white neck. [Wringing 
his hands in despair]. Oh, God ! what have I done that you should punish 
me so terribly through this child ? 

Enters Zelechowski, and behind him Ivanow. 

Zelechowski — Governor, I beg your pardon for intruding, but the time 
has expired. Now she either must sign the petition or else be delivered into 
the hands of the executioners, and the law will take its course. All are 
waiting and in readiness. 

Father kneels down before Perowska, who remains on the bench — the nurse does 
the same as father. 

Father (raising his hands) — Sophie, for the sake of our family, for the 
sake of 3^our happy childhood, for the memory of your mother, for the sake 
of my great and neaver ceasing love, I beg of you, daughter, to sign the 
petition. 

Nurse — Child, do not torment us any longer! 

Perowska quickly leaves the bench and steps before Zelechowski. 
Perowska— Sir, I will sign this petition for freedom. 
Father and nurse arise from their kneeling postures. 
Perowska— Give it to me quick ! I want to sign it at once ! 



—60- 

Zelechowski— The petition is there [pointing to the fragments of the 
paper], but since you are willing to sign it, it doesn't matter; I will have 
another ready and will bring it in a few minutes. So you are willing to 
sign it ? 

Perowska— Yes. [He makes a sign as if to go]. But— stay ! Yes, I— I— 
have my condition, which must be complied with before I sign it. 

Speaking half to Zelechowski and half to her father. 

Father — What is it, child ? 

Perowska (to Zelechowski)— You told me that— that Prince Alexander 
was — dead ? 

Zelechowski — Yes, he died two days ago — the day of your trial. 

Perowska— Is he buried ? 

Zelechowski— No, but he will be buried to-day, for all was ready before 
I came here. 

Perowska— Then I want to see him as he is ! Yes, I will sign the peti- 
tion if I am allowed to look upon his face before he is put to his last resting 
place. [Turning to her father]. Father, he is the only man I ever loved. 
He died from the wound which he received defending me from the gendarmes 
who arrested me. 

Father— Why didn't you tell me before of your wishes, dear child. Yes, 
I will go to his majesty at once, and on my bended knees I will beg him to 
grant her this request. 

He turns as if to go. 

Zelechow^ski — Stay, governor. I don't think that there is so much 
importance attached to her request as to necessitate an appeal to his most 
gracious majesty. [He bows his head, so does the father, and the soldier at 
the door salutes as before.] I think I can take the responsibility on my own 
shoulder and grant her request, which can not be detrimental to the 
interests of the government. By chance the body is in this building, and so 
we will go and make arrangements for it to be brought here at once, as she 
cannot leave this cell until she signs the petition. Come, then, with me, 
governor. 

They exit. Soldiers present arms, to which Pcrowska's father responds in a 
military fashion. 

Nurse — The man, then, whom you love is dead ? 

Perowska — Yes, dear nurse; he died for me. 

Nurse — And you loved him much ? 

Perowska — Oh, how I loved him ! Better than my ver}- life ! 

Nurse — I can believe that, surely. But he is dead now. 

Perowska — Yes, and I love him better still. I tell you, nurse, that there 
is nothing in this world that I would not do for him. 

Nurse — Yes you love the dead man better than you do your own father 
— better than you do your old nurse, who brought you up ! Oh, Sophie, who 
ever expected this from you, a few years ago ! But this is the way of all 
men and women now-a-days ! They are as good as angels as long as they 
remain in there nests. 

The procession, bringing the body of Prince Alexander, is heard in the distance, 
singing a Greek Catholic Church song, suitable to the occasion. Orchestra begins 
to play some suitable music in a very low tone. Enter (singing) Patriarch Nicholas, 
who was present at the synod meeting — dressed in all the pomp of a Greek 
Archbishop and carving an Episcopal crosier. Behind him four Russian priests 



dressed in their robes, carrying on their shoulders the coffin covered with hlack 
cloth. Behind them come Zelechowski and the father. Standing in the open 
doorway could be seen Ivanow, the gendarmes, Frolow, his associates and soldiers. 
The priests put the coffin o|i the floor in the middle of the room. All carry lighted 
candles. Patriarch Nichol/ ' "-g off the black cloth from the head of the dead 

Prince, says : 

Partiarch NlCHOi^AS — Woman your request, though very contrary to 
our canonical laws, we have granted, in the hope that it will inspire you to 
a better life! Take your farewell with the dead, go from hence, change your 
life, and sin no more ! [He raises his hands.] God be with you and the 
blessings of the Saints attend you. 

All the Priests— Amen ! 

Perowska comes to the coffin, kneels down and looks in the face of the dead for 
a moment in silence 

Perowska— My dearest, my only love, you were my sin, my weakness, 
my life, my all. You were true to me— true from the first time I saw you, 
till the last, when you received your death-wound in my defence, in the de- 
fence of our cause. [She stoops down and kisses him.] Shall I deceive 3'ou 
now after all this? Shall I become a traitor to my own words? Shall I be- 
come a traitor to our spiritual pledges? Shall I live when you are dead ? 

She bends a little awa^^ from the coffin, upon the side of which she presses with 
both her hands, looking intently into the dead face, as if expecting to read an answer 
there. Then she puts one of her hands upon her forehead. Suddenh^ she cries : 

Perowska — No, never ! 

She rises from her position and says again : 

Perowska— Never ! 

With her hands elevated she goes on : 

Perowska— Father, I refuse to live! I refuse to sign the petition for 
pardon ! I want to die as he did— for freedom ! 

On all faces is seen consternation. The priests cover the coffin. Father, in despair, 
falls upon the bench with his face downward. The nurse, in despair, falls on her 
knees, and rai.ses her hands in despaii*. as if begging God for mercy. As soon as 
Perowska utters the word "freedom " Zelechowski speaks. 

Zelechowski (pointing to Frolow)— Take her to the scaffold. 

Frolow and his two assistants come forward. Frolow puts his hands on 
Perow.ska's shoulder. 

curtain: f.'Vlls. 



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